Saudi Arabia Strengthens Water Security in 14 Yemeni Governorates with 62 Projects

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has implemented 62 water projects and development initiatives across 14 Yemeni governorates, expanding access to safe drinking water and improving water distribution in urban and rural communities.

The initiatives, carried out through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), aim to strengthen water security, improve infrastructure, reduce water losses and provide more sustainable freshwater supplies in the conflict-affected country.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the projects have met 100 per cent of Al-Ghaydah’s water requirements, the capital of Al-Mahrah Governorate, and 50 per cent of Socotra’s needs. They have also met part of Aden’s demand.

The programme has focused on developing and upgrading water distribution networks, connecting communities with reliable water sources and introducing renewable energy systems to operate wells and pumping stations.

These measures aim to improve water production and distribution, reduce operating costs and extend services to communities with limited access to safe drinking water.

Sustainable water management

Beyond drinking water supplies, the Saudi programme has introduced modern irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, to help farmers use water more efficiently and reduce wastage.

The initiative is also intended to support sustainable agricultural production and strengthen food security in communities facing water shortages.

In Socotra, an integrated water supply project seeks to diversify freshwater sources, improve distribution infrastructure and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources.

The programme has also incorporated training and capacity-building activities to help local communities manage water resources and operate and maintain the infrastructure.

Awareness campaigns are underway to encourage responsible water consumption and greater community participation in managing local supplies.

Saudi desalination project in Aden

In a further effort to address Yemen’s water shortages, the SDRPY announced in January a project to establish the country’s first desalination plant in Aden.

The facility is intended to increase freshwater supplies, reduce pressure on existing water resources and introduce modern desalination technology.

The project also includes transferring Saudi technical expertise and training Yemeni personnel.

Saudi Arabia’s water-sector assistance forms part of a wider development programme implemented in coordination with the Yemeni government and local authorities.

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According to SPA, the SDRPY has undertaken 300 development projects and initiatives across 16 Yemeni governorates, covering eight sectors: education, health, energy, water, transport, agriculture and fisheries, development programmes, and government capacity-building.

The projects are aimed at improving essential services, strengthening local institutions, and supporting better living conditions across Yemen.

Saudi Arabia’s development assistance comes as Yemen continues to face major challenges in restoring public infrastructure and delivering basic services following years of conflict.

Water scarcity, damaged infrastructure and limited access to reliable supplies remain significant obstacles to improving living conditions and supporting economic recovery.