Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Yemeni government has intensified its efforts to reactivate U.S. support for the water and environment sectors, amidst escalating challenges that threaten the continuity of basic services—most notably water supply and sanitation.
In this context, Minister of Water and Environment Tawfiq al-Sharjabi discussed with the U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, opportunities to resume cooperation programs. The talks focused on bridging the funding gaps left by the suspension of certain international projects, particularly those associated with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The discussions, conducted via video conference, highlighted the repercussions of halted foreign support on water and environmental projects. This suspension has placed additional pressure on an already fragile infrastructure at a time when humanitarian and service needs are steadily increasing.
Al-Sharjabi noted that restoring international funding represents a critical step toward ensuring service stability and reducing health and environmental risks. He pointed out the Ministry’s focus on expanding rehabilitation programs, improving operational efficiency, and introducing alternative energy solutions to enhance sustainability.
Furthermore, the Yemeni side emphasized the importance of supporting climate change adaptation programs and accelerating the approval of projects submitted to international funds, viewing these as primary pathways to addressing long-term environmental challenges.
For his part, Ambassador Fagin reaffirmed that the United States remains one of the most prominent supporters of Yemen in both humanitarian and developmental aspects. He indicated that Washington recognizes the scale of the existing challenges and remains ready to continue cooperation in supporting vital sectors, including water and the environment.
