DOHA: Upon the directives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and in accordance with His Highness’ speech before the UN General Assembly at its 73rd session, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the water and sanitation sector in Yemen, in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
The grant focuses on the rehabilitation of water networks, distribution and drainage networks in Yemen and water supply stations to prepare them for civilian use, and reduce the spread of contaminated water-related diseases such as cholera and others, and improve access to safe drinking water for women and children.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Board Chairman of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that the grant aims to support the brotherly people of Yemen, who are going through very difficult circumstances.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs said that sanitation and water are among the biggest challenges facing Yemen’s current crisis, in addition to the shortage of fuel suffered by Yemen’s local water companies and the high cost of transporting water by commercial trucks, the main source of water for many.
“Today, more than 19.3 million Yemenis have no access to clean water and sanitation. Of these, 50 percent were directly separated from the basics of life because of the conflict.
The devastating impact was the outbreak of cholera in the capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country,” he added.
“In collaboration with partners, Unicef and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) will expand their response in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene, disease prevention and control,” he noted.
“The recent conflict has exacerbated weaknesses in infrastructure and unpaid salaries for civil servants, so that almost the entire water and sanitation system is nearing collapse,” he said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the State of Qatar, through this grant, affirms that the right to access and clean water properly is necessary for the full enjoyment of good life and all human rights, especially at a time when one of the world’s most water-scarce countries is going through a humanitarian disaster where conflict has worsened, particularly for children who depend on clean drinking water and adequate sanitation for good health and survival.
For her part, Unicef Executive Director Henrietta Fore said: “This generous contribution from the Qatar Fund for Development is very important for the Unicef’s efforts to help children in Yemen, allowing Unicef to increase access to clean water and improve water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities”. Henrietta Fore expressed her deep thanks and full gratitude to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his good endeavors in supporting the people of Yemen, who are experiencing difficult situation.
