Tariq Saleh Stresses Expediting Sheikh Zayed Water Project to Alleviate Suffering of Taiz Residents

Yemen Monitor/ Newsroom:

In Al-Mokha city today, Saturday, Tariq Saleh, member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, chaired an expanded meeting to discuss the severe water crisis plaguing Taiz city. He emphasized the critical need to accelerate the implementation of the Sheikh Zayed Water Project as a key strategic solution to address this crisis.

The meeting, which included members of Parliament, local government officials, and representatives from relevant water sector entities, discussed the technical, environmental, and administrative challenges hindering the vital project’s execution. Several proposals were put forth to overcome these obstacles and ensure its completion as soon as possible.

During the meeting, Tariq Saleh affirmed that providing water to Taiz residents is an urgent priority, stressing the necessity of joint action between official institutions and the local community to overcome hurdles. He also directed the local authorities to intensify monitoring of well usage within the city to prevent the depletion of limited water resources.

In a practical step to speed up implementation, Tariq Saleh assigned Taiz Governor Nabil Shamsan to directly supervise the project’s progress. He also tasked Undersecretary Eng. Rashad Al-Akahli with following up on coordination with local communities surrounding the water fields, ensuring their needs are considered and they benefit from the project.

Al-Sheikh Zayed Water Project is considered one of the most vital anticipated projects in Taiz due to its direct impact on improving the daily lives of tens of thousands of residents who have endured severe water scarcity and lack of basic services for years.

Last month, Yemeni Parliament Speaker Sultan Al-Burkani sent an official letter to Prime Minister Salem Saleh Bin Breik, urging him to take urgent measures to address the water crisis.

Residents of Taiz city, southwestern Yemen, are suffering from an unprecedented water crisis, with the prices of scarce available water reaching record highs, making it difficult for families to afford their drinking and domestic water needs.