Vitens-Evides International is improving the drinking water supply and sanitation in the town of Taiz, benefitting 800,000 people. In addition, Vitens-Evides International is supporting the operations of the local water company as part of a performance contract lasting until 2009.
Drinking water situation
Yemen is a country with severe water problems. A sustainable water supply is almost impossible. Low rainfall and heavy agricultural demands (over 85%) on the available water stocks make it difficult to organise the urban drinking water supply. The towns are growing fast, so demand for water is rising.
Non-Revenue Water
An additional problem is the level of NRW, which means that residents of Taiz sometimes only have drinking water once every two weeks. Every day, there is pressure on a certain part of the town’s distribution network, so most people use "roof storage" (water tanks).
Contribution of Vitens-Evides International 
Vitens-Evides International was asked by the Dutch government to support the operations of Taiz Water Corporation. The collaborative contract was signed by Abdul Rahman Fadhl Al-Eryani (Minister for Water and Environment in Yemen) and Dutch Minister Van Ardenne (Development Cooperation). In this partnership, Vitens-Evides International helps the management of TWSLC to improve operations. A Vitens-Evides International project manager is stationed permanently in Taiz, while other Vitens-Evides International specialists travel regularly to Yemen for short periods to offer support. The total investment is €1.6 million.
Tasks
Vitens-Evides International has been given a wide range of tasks to ensure better service levels and improve the profitability of the Taiz Water Corporation:
- achieve a sharp reduction in energy consumption
- improve the management of drinking water and waste water plants
- reform the organisation and training of staff
- develop a maintenance programme
- reduce NRW
- sharply reduce overdue payments
- search for new water sources
Situation
In order to accelerate the changes, at the end of 2007 extra staff were deployed by Vitens-Evides International. More intensive support has also been given to the TWSCL director since the start of 2008. Discussions are currently underway for providing support to the local water company in Aden as well this year. Preparations for an integrated Aden-Taiz project over the period 2008-2011 are already in progress.
Expected results
As a result of the new project approach, increasing numbers of inhabitants in Taiz will benefit from a sustainable drinking water supply and sanitation. The same will apply to Aden in the future. If this project is successful, Vitens-Evides International will roll out this model all over Yemen.
More information
For more detailed information about this project, you can download the factsheet.
