Dubai hires US firm for $3.4 bln sewer tunnel project

Dubai has awarded U.S.-based Parsons the consultancy contract for the $3.4 billion (AED 12.5 billion) deep sewer tunnels project, news agencies reported.

Parsons will deliver feasibility studies, preliminary design, tender preparation, and support for the project, followed by program management of detailed design and construction supervision once the main contractor is appointed.

The main construction contract will be tendered within the next 12 months. However, the scope and number of packages will not be clear until after Parsons finishes its early designs.

The Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels project will consist of two main tunnels, one in Bur Dubai and the other in Deira, with a total length of 75 kilometers. They will sit up to 90 meters underground and be supported by 140 kilometers of link sewers and two major pump stations.

The pump stations will replace over 100 that currently serve the city.