Saudi Arabia provides $10 million for water projects in Sudan

In a significant humanitarian and developmental step reflecting the deep fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Sudan, the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Sudanese government to provide a grant of US$10 million. This grant aims to implement vital projects to provide safe and sustainable water to communities affected by ongoing conflicts in Sudan.

Project details and strategic objectives

This agreement comes at a time when Sudan is facing significant infrastructure challenges due to the current situation. The memorandum focuses primarily on rehabilitating and expanding the main water networks, with a particular emphasis on improving the Nile water supply system in the capital, Khartoum. A key feature of this project is the reliance on clean energy solutions, with stations being converted to solar power. This will ensure operational sustainability and reduce long-term operating costs, as well as enhance the technical capabilities of local personnel to guarantee service continuity.

The context of the crisis and the importance of urgent intervention

Since the outbreak of conflict, Sudan has faced a severe drinking water crisis, exacerbating health risks and leading to the spread of waterborne diseases. This Saudi intervention is a pivotal step in alleviating this suffering, as its aim extends beyond simply providing water; it also includes promoting public health, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks, and enhancing the resilience of local communities to growing environmental and health challenges.

International partnership to promote stability

During the signing ceremony, Sultan Al-Murshid affirmed that this grant embodies the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting the brotherly Sudanese people, noting that access to safe water is a fundamental pillar of health and quality of life. He explained that the partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) ensures the implementation of these projects according to the highest international standards, providing sustainable solutions that meet urgent needs and support long-term development.

For their part, representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) praised Saudi Arabia's generous support, emphasizing that access to basic services such as water is paramount to enabling individuals to achieve stability and self-reliance, particularly in conflict zones. They noted that this support strengthens vital systems upon which affected communities depend, contributing to the restoration of human dignity and the improvement of living conditions.

A rich history of developmental contributions

It is worth noting that this agreement is not a recent development, but rather an extension of a strategic development relationship between the Saudi Fund for Development and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that has spanned more than 10 years. This partnership has resulted in the funding of 18 development projects in 8 different developing countries, with a total value exceeding $85 million, benefiting more than 5 million people worldwide. This ongoing cooperation reflects the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting sustainable development and humanitarian aid at both the regional and international levels.