Water Resources Ministry, UNICEF co-Signed Agreement to Secure Drinking Water

DAMASCUS, (ST)_ The Ministry of Water Resources and UNICEF has signed a joint work agreement for implementing vital projects in water and sanitation sectors and to secure drinking water in different regions in Syria.

During the signing ceremony, Minister of Water Resources Dr. Kamal Sheikha said that “securing clean and safe water for all citizens at any locality is part of the ministry’s priorities, noting,” the vital and important role played by UNICEF in support for water and sanitation sectors in Syria and its impact on services provided for citizens in all areas.

Minister Sheikha focused on the need to implement the value-added vital projects and ensure speedy implementation, referring to the “ambitious emergency plan” drawn up by the ministry to secure alternative sources to be used upon needed, with focus on Aleppo province due to its “urgent need” for drinking water, where preparations are underway for 180 water- wells.

The minister noted the role of the ministry in securing tanks which provide citizens with drinking water and cooperation relations with UNICEF for providing electricity generating sets in Arieha and Al-Mastumeh in rural Idleb.

For her part, UNICEF Resident Representative in Damascus Hanaa Sangar indicated the “fruitful cooperation” with the Ministry of Water Resources to ensure the needs of the Syrian population of water and sanitation sector and the facilities provided for the implementation of urgent projects, expressing UNICEF desire to expand work prospects and increase major sustainable projects, as well as rapid deployment to secure water and sanitation sector requirements in all regions in Syria, adding that so far UNICEF equipped 36 water-wells in Syria.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials representing the two sides.

Tomader Fateh