Sana'a: A meeting held on Wednesday in Sana'a governorate, chaired by the Secretary-General of the Local Council, Abdulqader Al-Jailani, discussed the problems arising from the unregulated drilling of groundwater wells and the development of effective mechanisms to regulate the drilling process and reduce violations in coordination with the relevant authorities.
According to Yemen News Agency, the meeting included key figures such as the province undersecretary for services, Fares Al-Kuhali, the deputy head of the development team, Saddam Al-Fasih, and the Director-General of the Sana'a branch of the Water Resources and Facilities Authority, Raidan Al-Hadi. They addressed ways to overcome the difficulties facing the Authority's branch in the governorate, particularly those related to the unregulated drilling of water wells.
The meeting resolved to hold further discussions chaired by the Deputy Governor for Services with the Director of the Authority's branch, district directors, and drilling rig owners. The aim is to regulate the drilling process, reduce violations, and prevent the movement of drilling rigs without a permit issued by the Authority's branch.
The attendees emphasized the need for serious and responsible cooperation from all parties, particularly drilling rig owners, to cease all drilling and deepening activities without official permits. This cooperation is crucial for regulating drilling operations and protecting groundwater.
During the meeting, Al-Jailani affirmed the local authority's commitment to supporting efforts to preserve and develop water resources. He stressed the importance of coordination between the Authority's branch, local authorities, security and regulatory agencies, and drilling rig owners. This collaboration aims to curb unregulated drilling, apprehend violators, and reduce water depletion.
Al-Kuhali and Al-Fasih highlighted the importance of enforcing the law to protect groundwater. They emphasized that groundwater is a national resource belonging to future generations and urged collective responsibility to protect it from indiscriminate drilling.
Al-Hadi reviewed the technical aspects of applications submitted for licenses to drill, deepen, and clean wells. He emphasized the commitment to overcoming obstacles and facilitating citizens' access to licenses. He also commended the governorate leadership's interest in monitoring the branch's work and supporting efforts to preserve groundwater.
The meeting concluded with outcomes aimed at reducing groundwater depletion. These include establishing a clear timeframe for licensing procedures, determining safe distances between wells, and ensuring the Water Resources Authority branch's direct technical supervision over well-related activities.