Minister of Water Resources discusses with a delegation from UNICEF the water situation in the Syrian governorates

The Minister of Water Resources in the caretaker government, Eng. Osama Abu Zeid, discussed with a delegation from UNICEF the needs of the water sector in all Syrian governorates, with a focus on improving the situation of drinking water. During the meeting held , at the Ministry of Water Resources building today, with the organization’s regional director, Eduardo Beigbeder, Minister Abu Zeid said that the ministry is working to assess the needs in all governorates, in order to provide an emergency response, especially in areas that have been affected by the war.

The Minister reviewed the difficulties resulting from the sanctions imposed on Syria, stressing that they affect the water sector and other sectors and that work is being done to overcome them.

He explained that the difficulties suffered by water institutions are represented by a severe shortage in the sources of electrical energy that feed the water sources, and a shortage in the mechanical and electrical equipment necessary to operate them, in addition to the unavailability of spare parts for stations that operate on diesel.

For their part, the organization’s representatives confirmed their readiness to cooperate, assist and provide support to the water sector in Syria, expressing their hope that efforts with the help of supporting countries will improve the Syrian water situation. Following the meeting, Minister Abu Zeid said in a statement to SANA: “Work is underway to improve the situation of drinking water in Syria in cooperation with UNICEF, to provide the necessary support to improve drinking water services, and to work on rehabilitating and developing the infrastructure of water stations, which will contribute to delivering drinking water to citizens in the best possible way.” Minister Abu Zeid said in a statement to SANA following the meeting.

He expressed the ministry’s readiness to cooperate with all parties interested in this file, which will contribute to improving the water situation in the country.