Geneva: Saudi Arabia has announced a significant $10 million grant through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to aid in the provision of safe and sustainable water to conflict-affected communities in Sudan. This initiative underscores the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing access to clean water and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the region.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Kingdom's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. The event was attended by Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, the Kingdom's permanent representative, highlighting the importance of this development initiative.
The grant is set to facilitate the rehabilitation and expansion of Sudan's primary water networks. This includes significant upgrades to the Nile water supply system in Khartoum, transitioning operations to solar power, and enhancing technical capacity. Additionally, the initiative aims to engage local communities to ensure the sustainability of these improvements. By doing so, the project intends to provide better access to clean water, mitigate the risk of diseases and epidemics, and promote public health, ultimately strengthening resilience against environmental challenges.
This memorandum forms a vital part of Saudi Arabia's broader development efforts aimed at alleviating suffering and reducing waterborne disease risks. It is particularly focused on supporting community health and restoring dignity among the most vulnerable populations in Sudan, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
The cooperation between SFD and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has a longstanding history, spanning more than a decade. Over this period, the fund has financed 18 development projects across eight developing countries, with a total value exceeding $85 million. These efforts have positively impacted over 5 million people, demonstrating the shared goals in sustainable development between the organizations.