DAS-Article

The current crisis situation in Yemen affects the key infrastructure and public services significantly since the start of the political crisis in 2015. The Local Corporations for Water Supply and Sanitation Services (LC) as well as the affiliated Autonomous Utilities (AU) and Centralized Branches are weakened by the crisis. All of the water utilities face difficulties in the sustainable operation and maintenance of their infrastructure. Most of them are incapable of providing sufficient water and sanitation service to the residents. Projects for network rehabilitation and extension, funded by donor organizations, have been suspended or were completely terminated because of the prolonged crisis. This leaves parts of the urban population without connection to the public services.

Consequently, the GIZ supported the Damage Assessment Study, carried out in several phases. The prior study phases provided initial assessment results about the prevailing condition of several water corporations and affiliated utilities and branches and gave first recommendations to maintain and improve the water and sanitation services and institutional operation.

The Water Situation in Yemen

Yemen is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world with an availability of only about 83 m3 of water per person annually. Deteriorating economic, social and security conditions endanger the already vulnerable natural resources and livelihood of the population.
More than 15.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance for adequate access to clean water and appropriate sanitation services (UNICEF, 2021).
Economic breakdown, cholera & COVID-19 outbreaks, natural disasters, conflicts over water, internal displacement, lack of good governance, excessive agricultural irrigation and the continuing energy crisis are further deteriorating the situation.

Due to the armed conflict:

Water and wastewater infrastructure has been damaged, spare parts and maintenance are lacking, electricity supply has largely failed, and energy costs have increased considerably.
Water sector institutions are not able to enforce good governance and integrated water resources management principles. A de jure Ministry of Water & Environment (MWE) exists in Aden and a de facto MWE in Sana’a.
Institutional, operational and financial viability of the urban service providers are weakened and water and sanitation services difficult to be secured.

in the course of the BMZ 2030 reform concept, Yemen was categorized as a so-called nexus and peace partner, consequently the focus is working on the structural causes of conflict/displacement, stability and peace potential.

History of the water sector technical cooperation and concept development for the follow phase

Overview of the Main Project Areas (IDWS III + IV)

Damage and Need Assessment Study for the Urban Water Utilities

This BMZ funded Project “Damage Assessment Study (DAS) - Stage IV, Inventory of Water Sector Support and Rehabilitation Measures for Selected Urban Areas in Yemen” contributed to the updating of the LC infrastructure and institutional condition and prepared comprehensive proposals for emergency relief and investment measures as well as required capacity development measures for implementation during the conflict and in post-conflict.

Objectives:

To develop a strategic approach to build up resilience of Water Utilities and to maintain water and sanitation services.
To prepare technical assistance packages for capacity development at the institutional and human resource level.
To prepare a series of short-term (2-3 year) investment packages for repair and rehabilitation of water supply and wastewater infrastructure.

Target Beneficiaries:

12 Water Supply and Sanitation Local Corporations and their affiliated Utilities and Branches. Attaq, Seiyun, Ad-Dalle'a, Al-Shehr, Mareb, Abyan, Al-Mukalla, Lahj, Al-Ghaida, Aden, Al-Mukha, Taizz, Al-Turba

15 Urban Centers

7 million Population

Deliverables Yemen Water Sector - Damage and Need Assessment Report

Part 1: Resilience Strategy Report (2018+2023)

Part 2: Situation Assessment Report and Development of Technical Assistance and Investment Plans for the Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Restoration of Water Supply and Sanitation Services (2018+2023)