Ibb Governorate, Yemen – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announces the successful completion of a water supply project in Al-Makhader Directorate in Ibb Governorate, funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). This vital initiative is expected to significantly enhance the lives of over 7,000 people in the region.

“The completion of the water supply project in Ibb Governorate signifies a crucial step forward in our mission to bolster community resilience and improve livelihoods in Yemen,” declared IOM’s Acting Chief of Mission in Yemen, Matt Huber. “Through collaborative efforts, we are proud to have delivered tangible benefits for the local community, ensuring access to safe water sources and durable water solutions.”

Through strategic interventions aimed at repairing pipelines, enhancing storage capacities, and integrating solar-powered technologies, IOM endeavors to create sustainable solutions that address water scarcity challenges and contribute to the long-term well-being of communities across Yemen.

In Yemen, a country historically plagued by water scarcity, access to clean drinking water has long been a persistent challenge, further aggravated by years of conflict. The Ibb Governorate in particular experiences mild winters and hot rainy summers, emphasizing the need for sustainable water supply solutions year-round. 

The conversion of diesel generators to solar pumps for the water supply project represents a critical step in addressing this demand. The transition has significantly enhanced access to safe drinking water, ensuring that over 7,000 residents have a reliable and sustainable water supply throughout the year.

The implementation of solar-powered pumps has bolstered the overall sustainability and resilience of the water system, ensuring its ability to withstand challenges and fluctuations in the future. The strategic division of the solar pumping system into two stages optimizes water distribution efficiency, overcoming logistical challenges posed by high elevation differences and limited market availability.

Transitioning to solar energy has not only reduced operational costs but also mitigated the environmental impact previously associated with diesel generators. This shift promotes eco-friendly practices and resource conservation, ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability through renewable energy sources.

As the project reaches fruition, families no longer fret over water scarcity and the burden of environmental degradation has significantly diminished. Moreover, the increased water system sustainability and resilience promise a brighter future for generations to come.

For more information, please contact:
Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer, mchiriac@iom.int
IOM Yemen’s Communications Team, iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int