Agreement will help bring to the world the spectacular stature of ADSSC's STEP infrastructure achievement

Abu Dhabi, UAE, March 24, 2016:  The Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) have signed a landmark agreement with National Geographic Abu Dhabi (NGAD). The channel will develop, produce, and broadcast documentary content showcasing the spectacular infrastructure development that was undertaken to build and complete ADSSC's Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP). The first and largest of its kind in the Gulf region, it also ranks as the deepest tunnel of its kind in the world.

The extraordinary engineering feat, which involves a 41-kilometre deep tunnel, is designed to replace the existing sewer system. Eight colossal tunnel-boring machines were deployed for the excavation work, which was conducted at record-breaking depths of over 80 metres and at a pace of 775 metres per month – all avoiding vital water, gas, and electricity supply lines. 
STEP also includes 45 kilometres of sewer connections that link existing systems to the new infrastructure. One large pumping station will accommodate an average waste flow of 1.9 million m3 per day by 2030.

Signing on behalf of ADSSC, its chairman, H.E. Abdulla Ali Musleh Al Ahbabi highlighted the importance of bringing to the public a documentary that retraces the engineering accomplishment. 'Present and future generations should be aware of the most important contributions to the health and welfare of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, which often go unnoticed,” he stated. 

'This amazing infrastructure programme finds itself within the 25-year Sewerage Master Plan that was issued in 2007, and is in full accordance with the Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. It will serve the needs of our city for the foreseeable future, so it was important that such a distinguished channel broadcast our story to the UAE and beyond.' Al Ahbabi continued. 

Abdul Hadi Al Sheikh, Executive Director of Television at Abu Dhabi Media  added: 'Such a monumental achievement fits naturally into the stories we document and bring to life. Our content-based strategy has been articulated through the making of the series ‘Real-Life Stories from our World' and furthers our mission to support the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 within the broader UAE strategic direction. It is a privilege to perform such an undertaking, and we will spare no effort to ensure the story we tell is as amazing and fascinating as this marvel display of 21st-century engineering.'

'It is an honor to be entrusted with such a project. ' added Sanjay Raina, General Manager for National Geographic Abu Dhabi MENA Region. 'In recent years, we have strived to become part of the vibrant fabric of this enterprising region by documenting and broadcasting its dreams and ambitions alongside its people. We aim to set a high standard when it comes to generating content, and this project will take previous productions – such as ‘Every Emiratis’ Son and 'The Tropic of Cancer' – to new heights. This isn't just factual entertainment, it is a tribute to those who dream big, and create the structures that will carry the region into the foreseeable future.'

Filming on site began at the onset of engineering works, and has documented each step throughout the project. It is understood that stunning 3D CGI graphics will be interwoven with live footage to reveal the complexity and gigantic proportions of the STEP project.