Environment Minister, US Ambassador discuss strengthening capabilities of the water and environmental sanitation sector

[09/04/2023 07:45]

Riyadh - Saba
Minister of Water and Environment, Engineer Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, discussed with the US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin the situation of the water and environmental sanitation sector in light of the government's efforts in cooperation with its local and international partners to achieve recovery and stability in basic services related to the livelihood of the people.

The meeting, which was held via videoconference, reviewed the issues and challenges facing the water and sanitation sector, and ways to enhance cooperation between the Yemeni and American governments to raise the capabilities of local Yeneni institutions to overcome the challenges posed by the war.

The minister stressed the importance of the role of the US Agency in rehabilitating the infrastructure of the water and sanitation sector, which was severely damaged due to the war.

He pointed out that the ministry, in cooperation with its partners, conducted many studies to assess these damages, and made more efforts to coordinate with various partners and donors to reactivate joint programs, direct funds towards the most urgent needs, and move from emergency programs to development projects to advance this sector related to the livelihood of citizens in the various governorates of the Republic and move towards response, development and peace.

He also praised the American efforts in supporting the implementation of the United Nations plan to salvage the decaying Safer oil tanker off the coast of Hodeidah in the Red Sea, and to prevent potential environmental, economic and humanitarian disasters that may result from the sinking or explosion of the oil tanker, whose dire effects may be reflected not only on Yemen and the region, but also on the whole world.

The meeting touched on the course of institutional reforms led by the ministry in order to stabilize water supplies, enhance the steadfastness and capacity of water institutions and prevent their collapse due to the current situation.

For his part, the US ambassador renewed his country's continued support for the water and sanitation sector in Yemen, which is a priority for the United States, stressing continued coordination with the Ministry of Water and Environment and work to implement more development projects and help Yemen recover from the effects of the war that crippled the capabilities of the basic service sectors.