Yemen And UNOPS Collaborate To Advance Water Sector With Solar Energy And Infrastructure Projects

A significant meeting was held in Sana’a, chaired by Dr. Ali Saif Hassan, Yemen’s Minister of Electricity, Energy and Water, to explore enhanced cooperation with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The discussion centered around supporting the water sector through the development of solar energy projects and the efficient withdrawal of diesel used by local water and sanitation institutions.

The meeting, which included Deputy Minister Adel Saleh Bader, UNOPS Programme Advisor Dr. Khaldoun Salem Saleh, Urban Cities Project Manager Mohammed Al-Shami, National Water Cluster Coordinator Eng. Tawfiq Al-Haroush, and UNOPS Deputy Director Abdul Wahab Salah, reviewed several key initiatives. These include potential upgrades to the Sa’ila project and the possibility of replacing transmission lines for water and sewage networks in the old city of Sana’a.

Minister Hassan emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with UNOPS to enhance the sustainability of water and electricity projects. He underscored the need for continued support to local water and sanitation institutions, particularly in light of ongoing challenges and the impact of conflict.

The Deputy Minister of Electricity, Adel Saleh Bader, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of sustainable projects and ongoing support for local institutions. He praised the partnership with UNOPS, particularly for its role in urban water and sanitation projects, and called for further support in capacity-building and solar energy expansion.

Key figures from UNOPS, including Programme Advisor Dr. Khaldoun Salem Saleh, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Yemen’s water and energy sectors. They highlighted previous interventions in water, energy, and health sectors and expressed readiness to continue supporting network rehabilitation and maintenance efforts.

The meeting concluded with a focus on increasing project capacity and ensuring the effective implementation of planned interventions to improve water and sanitation services across Yemen. The presence of Mohammed Madaas, Director of the Local Water and Sanitation Corporation in the Capital Secretariat, underscored the collaborative spirit of the initiative.