Aden, Yemen 28 May 2020-- UN-Habitat recently held an opening ceremony to officially launch the project “Prevention of Water-Borne Disease Outbreak through Emergency Repair and Upgrade of Damaged Wastewater Facilities”. This project is to be implemented from April 2020 to March 2021, based on the contribution of USD1.8 million from the Government of Japan.

Partnering with the Government of Japan and Local Water and Sanitation Corporation, UN-Habitat aims at reducing the risk of cholera outbreak and other water borne diseases in Aden through the project. Officials from local government, various ministries and institutions participated in the ceremony to celebrate the start of the project and show their commitment to improve the current living condition of vulnerable communities against these diseases.

In the opening, UN-Habitat representative, Mr. Mohammed Zain thanked the Government of Japan for their generous contribution, which will support the sustainable development of Yemen. He, then, introduced the project and stated that “This project comprises a number of components pertaining to rehabilitation and upgrading of water and wastewater in addition to a complementary storm water drainage system. The project is responding to Aden Local Water and Sanitation Corporation request. The project is going to be implemented in four districts (Al Tawahi, Sirah, Al Sheikh Othman and Al Buraiqah) with  a total number beneficiaries of around 75,000 person mainly women and children.”

UN-Habitat representative also delivered a message from the Embassy of Japan in Yemen by stressing that “the Japanese government will continue its contribution and support for Yemeni people”.

The Director of Local Water and Sanitation Eng/Fathi Al Saqqaf stated, “This project will last for one year and it will reflect a positive impact in the field of Water and Sanitation and the Stormwater Drainage”.  He also thanked the Government of Japan and added “Stormwater Drainage, and sanitation network rehabilitation are considered from the most essential projects in Aden. We are looking forward to having another strategic project in future.”