The General Secretariat of the Tender Board, gathered in Muscat yesterday for their annual meeting, has inked a milestone unified framework agreement with the Karwa Automotive Company. The purpose is to revolutionise school transportation by replacing outdated buses with customized technical specifications tailored to the needs of various government agencies.
Engineer Badr bin Salem al Mamari, the Secretary General of the Tender Board, emphasised the significance of this framework contract, aimed at overhauling the school bus fleet over the next five years. This allencompassing agreement will cater to government entities such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, among others. The contract's flexibility ensures that the needs of each agency are met promptly.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has also joined forces with the Karwa Automotive Company and the Development Bank to embark on an ambitious project aiming at replacing 5,000 school buses over a span of five years. Commencing in 2024, the initiative targets the gradual replacement of aging school buses, starting with those manufactured between 1980 and 1997.
Notably, the Development Bank is extending interest-free financing options to bus owners to facilitate the transition. This support includes funding up to a maximum of RO 22,500 per bus owner, with a repayment period of up to eight years. Additionally, for those not meeting the interest-free financing criteria, the bank offers financing at a nominal rate of 3 per cent.
Majid bin Saeed al Bahri, the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Administrative and Financial Affairs, outlined the meticulous planning behind the project, detailing the annual replacement of 1,000 school buses over five years. The focus is on enhancing safety and security features through advanced technologies and driver training programs.
Dr. Ibrahim bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Karwa Automotive Company, hailed the agreements as a significant step towards bolstering Oman's bus manufacturing industry. By localizing production and introducing cutting-edge technologies, the company aims to elevate the standards of the school transportation system, ensuring a safe and efficient mode of travel for students.
The initiatives discussed at the annual meeting, held under the patronage of Dr. Saeed bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, signify a transformative shift in the realm of school transportation in Oman. With a focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability, these agreements pave the way for a brighter future for education and mobility in the Sultanate.
