Metito, the UAE-based water management company, will help to build a thermal power plant in Egypt as it seeks to tap bigger projects overseas. The Dubai company has won a US$25 million order to deliver water and wastewater systems for the 650-megawatt plant in Suez, it said yesterday.

“We are very proud to be part of Egypt’s new development plan through implementing this significant project,” said Karim Madwar, the managing director for Metito Africa.

Egypt is threatened by severe water shortages over the next decade, driving investment in the sector. The country already experiences an annual water shortfall of some 7 billion cubic metres according to a report last year from Future Directions International.

Meanwhile domestic water demand is expected to increase by 25 per cent through 2025.

Metito’s latest order will involve the firm designing, supplying and installing systems to make demineralised water of the quality needed for high-pressure boilers.

The scope of the contract also includes a wastewater treatment plant and a water/oil separation system to treat the effluent water.

Metito has been seeking to grow its overseas business amid rising competition at home.

The company was eyeing “at least five” targets for acquisition across markets including Asia and Africa, said Rami Ghandour, the company’s executive director in an interview with The National last year.

The company has been looking at opportunities to supply plants and equipment in countries including Mauritania, Equatorial Guinea and Angola, alongside new prospects in Kenya, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

business@thenational.ae