[19/05/2025 01:28]

ADEN - SABA
Minister of Water and and Environment Engineer Tawfiq al-Sharjabi discussed Monday with a technical team from the World Bank the ongoing preparations for launching a series of climate-resilient water projects in Yemen.

The meeting, which included Senior Water Resources Management Specialist Nayef Abu Louhom, Senior Water Specialist Chris Philip and Economic Expert Shambhavi Priyam, addressed the Project Operations Manual (POM) as a key document alongside the Preliminary Project Assessment Document (PAD).

The discussions covered the intensive consultations between the bank and the ministry regarding the first phase of the series of projects (SOP1), which includes projects in Wadi Hadhramaut and Wadi Tuban in Lahij Governorate, with a budget of $4.79 million, and the commencement of project implementation in June 2025.

Preparations for the second phase of the series (SOP2) were also discussed, with official approval from the World Bank's Board of Directors expected by December 2025, covering all water basins in Yemen.

Minister al-Sharjabi emphasized that the meeting is part of the joint efforts between the government and the World Bank to enhance water and food security and prepare for the launch of a series of climate-resilient water service projects in Yemen, based on the findings of the World Bank's Climate and Development Report.

For their part, the World Bank technical team reaffirmed the bank's full commitment to supporting the Ministry of Water and Environment through technical and professional assistance, strengthening the capabilities of the ministry's Center of Excellence, and contributing to implementing the financial roadmap to ensure the sustainability of interventions and achieve effective long-term developmental impact.

---