The Minister of Water discusses UNICEF intervention plans and water sector development in Aden with UN officials.

In a significant meeting held today in the temporary capital of Aden, Minister of Water and Environment, Engineer Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, engaged with Luisano Calestini, the Deputy Resident Representative of UNICEF in Yemen, and Sahar Hijazi, the organization’s office director in Aden. The discussions focused on UNICEF’s plans and interventions for the years 2025 and 2026, aiming to enhance collaboration on projects in the water and sanitation sectors.

Importance of UNICEF’s Role

Minister Al-Sharjabi emphasized the critical role UNICEF plays in supporting the water and sanitation sectors. He highlighted the organization’s efforts to strengthen capacities and improve responses to the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. The minister outlined the various difficulties faced by the ministry and its affiliated sectors, detailing the ongoing efforts to address these pressing issues.

Need for Adequate Funding

During the meeting, Al-Sharjabi stressed the necessity of securing sufficient funding to implement projects aimed at establishing new water sources and addressing sanitation problems. He underscored that financial support is vital for the successful execution of these initiatives.

UNICEF’s Commitment to Support

In response, Calestini reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue supporting the ministry’s sectors according to their priorities. He noted that the organization aims to enhance the ministry’s capabilities to effectively respond to challenges and increase the support provided to ensure improved access to water and sanitation services across all regions of Yemen.

Collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross

In a separate meeting, Minister Al-Sharjabi also met with Kijun Howe, the Director of the Water Development Program for Aden at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They discussed programs and activities related to the development plan for the water sector in Aden.

Current Initiatives and Future Studies

The two parties reviewed the current initiatives undertaken by the ICRC concerning a study prepared for Aden. This study focuses on assessing water and sanitation services and identifying water sources. It includes the first phase of developing a master plan for the temporary capital, followed by studies to determine the service needs of the governorate.

These discussions reflect a proactive approach to addressing Yemen’s water and sanitation challenges. By fostering collaboration between government ministries and international organizations like UNICEF and the ICRC, the Yemeni government aims to improve essential services for its citizens.

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