Sana'a: A meeting was held on Wednesday in Sana'a, chaired by Eng. Hadi Quraih, the Head of the General Authority for Water Resources and Structures, to discuss the water situation in Yemen and the Authority's achievements during the period 2017-2026 in the field of water resources management and development.
According to Yemen News Agency, the meeting included Deputy Head of the Authority Eng. Abdulkarim Al-Sufyani, Assistant Deputy Saleh Al-Dhuby, general directors, and members of the technical office. They reviewed the Authority's activities and its branches in the governorates during the period 2017-2026, highlighting accomplishments across programs and projects aimed at protecting water sources and enhancing sustainability.
Participants were briefed on measures carried out by the Authority, such as the implementation of rainwater and floodwater harvesting structures, water studies, research initiatives, and promotion of innovation. This included the development of a Yemen-made climate monitoring station and workshops, notably the workshop on updating the National Water Strategy.
During the meeting, the Head of the Authority stressed the importance of reviewing plans and projects, evaluating performance, and building on achievements to preserve and sustain water resources. He emphasized the need for staff to address challenges, provide feedback on the report, and incorporate required proposals, especially technical ones.
Eng. Quraih highlighted the importance of regularly updating reports, focusing on dam and water harvesting projects to recharge basins, developing water sources, managing resources, and preventing random well drilling. He reaffirmed the necessity of assessing water resources, regulating drilling rig owners, and supporting groundwater recharge and conservation.
The Head of the Authority stressed enforcing the Water Law and executive regulations, requiring drilling rig owners to obtain licensed approvals, and intensifying field inspections to monitor illegal rigs. He discussed measures to recharge groundwater basins, including expanding dams and water barriers to support aquifers.
He praised the efforts of the Authority's leadership and staff, highlighting their role in field monitoring and ensuring continuity in water resource provision. He emphasized intensifying efforts, adhering to technical standards, and coordinating with relevant authorities to overcome challenges and improve service delivery.
Several attendees spoke about ongoing efforts and presented proposals to enhance efficiency, develop performance mechanisms, and keep pace with developments in the water sector. They reaffirmed their readiness to implement these proposals in coordination with the Authority's leadership, ensuring improved performance and achievement of strategic goals in securing and sustaining water resources.