Damascus Countryside, SANA-Ministry of Water Resources and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) have discussed ways to rehabilitate some of the damaged water plants, and work on preparing studies to upgrade their infrastructure, through assessing water sector needs in all governorates.
That came during a meeting Monday that brought together Minister of Water Resources in the caretaker government, Eng. Osama Abu Zaid and Head of the QRCS’s mission, Mazen Abdullah Salloum.
Both sides agreed on the necessity of setting an emergency response plan and improving the efficiency of drinking water, while moving towards the use of renewable energy.
Minister Abu Zaid said that the ministry is working to develop water networks and secure electrical and operational energy to operate some completely stopped plants.
Minister Abu Zaid tackled the challenges facing the water sector, most notably the sanctions imposed on Syria, the damage to infrastructure, the shortage of fuel and spare parts, and the almost complete absence of engineering equipment and spare parts necessary for maintenance.
He also shed light on the severe shortage of mechanical and electrical equipment necessary for operating stations, and the lack of adequate support for laboratories.
In turn, Head of the QRCS’s mission expressed desire to sign agreements aimed at improving the efficiency of drinking water at Syrian water plants, and replacing diesel engines with solar panels, in addition to cooperating with the Ministry of Water Resources to assess needs and update data, to ensure an effective response to the sustainability of drinking water supply.
Salloum added that the QRCS is also willing to provide sanitation services, establish water treatment plants, and work to repair and rehabilitate water networks, in addition to providing training and capacity building.
Ruaa al-Jazaeri
