[12/05/2026 05:38]

ADEN – SABA

The Minister of Water and Environment, Tawfiq al-Sharjabi discussed Tuesday with Dina Refaat, the Representative of the International Relief Agency areas of cooperation and partnership between the ministry and the organization.

The two parties discussed several projects related to the water and environmental sectors.

The meeting addressed the possibility of providing technical support to the ministry in preparing studies and assessments for the water and sanitation sectors, including identifying urgent, medium-, and long-term needs.

The discussions also covered a project supporting watershed management studies under the Adaptation Fund project, in addition to a coastal protection project.

Minister al-Sharjabi affirmed the ministry’s commitment to expanding areas of cooperation with the organization and taking practical steps toward an effective partnership that contributes to improving water services and strengthening sustainable development pathways.

For her part, the international organization’s representative noted the agency’s interest in working in Yemen as an international organization concerned with providing assistance in developing countries. She explained that the organization operates with the legitimate government through its office in Aden, emphasizing the importance of having a governmental and local partner to help improve project efficiency and strengthen efforts to address environmental and climate changes in ways that positively impact public services.

In a related context, Minister al-Sharjabi also discussed with Salah Khaled, the Regional Director of UNESCO for the Gulf States and Yemen, condition of the Aden Cisterns project and the changes affecting it due to urban expansion, construction developments, and random building activities, which have impacted floodwater channels.

The meeting highlighted the importance of preserving the historical and environmental character of the city of Aden and protecting the Aden Cisterns from any interventions or alterations, considering them an important historical landmark and cultural heritage site.

The discussions also addressed the seawater desalination project funded by the Government of Japan and the importance of securing additional funding to complete its implementation and enhance water security in Aden.

Minister Al-Sharjabi stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination with all relevant parties to preserve the Aden Cisterns and address the distortions and damages caused by unplanned urban expansion.

He also emphasized the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnership with UNESCO to support efforts aimed at protecting historical and environmental sites, particularly on Socotra Island, as well as supporting vital water projects in Aden and Lahij.

For his part, Salah Khaled reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to preserving historical and cultural landmarks in Aden and expressed the organization’s readiness to cooperate with the ministry and relevant authorities to help protect the Aden Cisterns and preserve their historical and environmental value.

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