In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to supporting stability and development in the region, the Kingdom announced a $10 million grant directly aimed at providing safe and sustainable drinking water in the Republic of Sudan. This generous initiative comes at a critical time, as the Sudanese people face unprecedented challenges related to the collapse of infrastructure and the scarcity of potable water resources.
Project details and strategic objectives
This grant aims to fund a package of urgent and sustainable water projects, including drilling new artesian wells in severely drought-stricken areas, rehabilitating decommissioned water treatment plants, and extending distribution networks to ensure water reaches remote villages and displacement camps. The project focuses particularly on using solar energy to power water treatment plants, ensuring service sustainability and reducing operating costs in the long term, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Background to the water crisis in Sudan
Sudan is suffering from a complex water crisis that has worsened in recent years due to armed conflicts and violence that have destroyed large parts of its infrastructure. UN reports indicate that millions of Sudanese lack access to clean water, forcing them to rely on unsafe sources, which has led to outbreaks of serious waterborne diseases such as cholera and acute watery diarrhea. This crisis places a particularly heavy burden on women and children who must travel long distances daily to fetch water.
Saudi Arabia's leading role in relief work
This grant is not an isolated event, but rather part of a long series of support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Sudan through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and the Saudi Fund for Development. The Kingdom has consistently been at the forefront of donor countries to Sudan, whether through bank deposits to support the economy, relief airlifts, or development projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.
Expected impact locally and regionally
This support is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of the beneficiary communities, as the availability of clean water will contribute to a marked improvement in public health indicators and a reduction in disease-related mortality rates. Furthermore, the project will enhance social stability by providing the necessary water for agriculture and livestock, the two main pillars of the local economy in rural Sudan. This initiative underscores the deep fraternal ties between the Saudi and Sudanese peoples and reinforces the Kingdom's role as a force for good and peace in the Arab region and the African continent.
