Minister of Water Resources discusses with a French delegation supporting water stability in Syria

The Minister of Water Resources, En. Osama Abu Zaid, discussed with Élisa Amouh, Deputy Director of Humanitarian Support and Stabilization at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the accompanying delegation, the mechanism for supporting water stability in Syria.

During his meeting with the French delegation at the ministry’s headquarters, Minister Abu Zaid emphasized that the challenges facing the water sector are significant, including the war and the debts left behind by the former regime in Syria.
He pointed out that efforts are being made to overcome these challenges, with the priority being the provision of infrastructure to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.
Minister Abu Zaid pointed out that the ministry is working with the relevant authorities and civil defense to remove the landmines left behind by the war of the former regime in conflict zones, including around wells and water restoration stations.
He also emphasized efforts to improve relations with the French people and exchange expertise to achieve better sustainability for institutions, enabling them to operate independently.

For her part, the Deputy Director of Humanitarian Support at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed her hope for the removal of the remaining sanctions imposed on the Syrian people.
She said that “France has supported stability in northern and western Syria since 2012 through projects in agriculture, health, and the economy, as well as the rehabilitation of water pumps, treatment plants, and irrigation channels,” in cooperation with the international community. She also affirmed the continuation of support and collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources to assess the necessary needs for enhancing water stability in Syria.
For his part, the Deputy Minister of Water Resources for Technical Affairs, Engineer Taher Al-Omar, said that the ministry has quickly developed an emergency plan for rural areas to ensure the provision of sterilized and monitored drinking water until major water pumping projects are fully operational.

Rawaa Ghanam