Public Notice

Notice of Intent

 

Rehabilitation of Almunabihah Water Scheme and Rehabilitation of Al Aswadi water scheme –– Public Comments Invited

 

April 25, 2025 Global Affairs Canada must determine whether the proposed Rehabilitation of Almunabihah water scheme and rehabilitation of Al Aswadi water scheme, located in Al Mawasit District and in AlMa`afer District, within the Taiz Governorate, Yemen is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Global Affairs Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by May 26, 2025 to:

Environment Specialists 

Global Affairs Canada 

200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau (QC) J8X 4B7

Email:?CommentsIAARegistry-CommentairesRegistreLEI@international.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

The Almunabihah Water Scheme is a water rehabilitation project located in the AlMashawilah Al Souphlaa Sub-district of the Alma'afer District in the Taiz Governorate of Yemen. The project site is positioned at geographical coordinates 13.360790°N, 43.864943°E, with an additional water distribution tank situated at 13.353363°N, 43.867017°E.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is being developed to ensure the sustainable management of water resources, minimize environmental harm, and maximize the benefits of the project. It aligns with Save the Children's environmental management protocols as well as the requirements set forth by the Canadian Impact Assessment Act (IAA) and other donor regulations.

Initially established in 1994, the Almunabihah Water Project has since deteriorated, leaving 6,951 individuals, including 508 internally displaced persons (IDPs), without access to safe drinking water. As a result, communities within the project catchment area are forced to rely on unsafe water sources, exposing them to significant risks of waterborne diseases and compromising personal security, particularly for women and children. These inadequate coping strategies adversely affect health outcomes and socioeconomic conditions, further exacerbating community vulnerability and food insecurity.

The objectives of the Almunabihah rehabilitation project aim to restore a sustainable and safe drinking water supply for 6,951 beneficiaries, reduce health risks associated with contaminated water, enhance community resilience, strengthen local capacity for sustainable water resource management, and promote renewable solar-powered energy usage to enhance environmental sustainability.

In response to the critical water shortage, Save the Children plans to implement vital rehabilitation activities at the Almunabihah Water Scheme. Key components of the project include the installation of a solar-powered submersible pump, rehabilitation of existing water distribution infrastructure, and establishment of communal water distribution points. This initiative has been guided by technical assessments conducted in collaboration with the General Authority for Rural Water Supply Projects (GARWSP), local authorities, and community stakeholders. The adoption of a solar-powered pumping system is a strategic choice due to its sustainability, low operational costs, and minimal environmental impact. This approach not only reduces carbon emissions but also alleviates the financial and maintenance burdens associated with traditional diesel-powered systems.

Anticipated positive impacts of the project include improved access to safe drinking water, reduced health risks from waterborne diseases, decreased burdens on women and children, and enhanced local community resilience and sustainable management practices.

Regarding the rehabilitation of Al Aswadi water scheme, Al Kadrah is located in the Qadas sub-district of Al Mawasit District, within the Taiz Governorate in Yemen. The Taiz Governorate is situated in the central and southwestern part of Yemen, along the Red Sea coast. The region is characterized by its diverse topography, which includes mountains, valleys, and coastal plains. SC team conducted a WASH needs assessment for many areas in Al Mawasit district and found that Bani Hamaad is one of the areas suffering from a lack of access to reliable water supply services. The majority of the residents and IDPs are suffering frequent disruptions of water supply and undergoing water shortages for long periods (up to months). As a result of inadequate water quantities that they get from unprotected water sources, the community is facing challenges in maintaining good hygiene practices. The targeted area comprises 77 collection sites and 16 villages with a total population of 15,365 individuals and hosts a large population of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with more than 1,878 IDPs from conflict, and 798 marginalized people.

 

In 1990, philanthropist established the Alaswadi Water Project in Al Mawasit District. The Project consists of four water tanks with a capacity of 75 m3, 75 m3, 233 m3, 233 m3 and network of pumping line with a length of 9,3 km, and a water distribution network with a length of 30km, and it depends on two water boreholes as cited below:

• Al-Nobah borehole, drilled in 1990 with 315 m depth and yielding of 5 L/s. The water is pumped out of it in two stages.
• Betan well, drilled in 1995 with 90 m depth and yielding of 8 L/s. The water is pumped out of it in three stages.
• Al-kawfash borehole, drilled in 1990 with 90 m depth and the yielding of this well is low during dry days and it is considered a seasonal well. The water is pumped out of it in three stages.

 

In 2024, the Water Management Committee (WMC) and General Authority for Rural Water Supply Projects (GARWSP) were forced to disconnect nine out of 16 sub-villages from the water system. This means 9,073 beneficiaries are now without water. The remaining seven sub-villages with 6,292 beneficiaries continue to be supplied with sufficient water. As a result, the communities and IDPs in the nine villages, which includes 1,108 IDPs have to depend on water trucking, which was not the best option for them as they did not have the financial means to buy water from water truckers. Because of that, the community had to revert to collecting water (on average of 6 l/p/d) from unsafe water sources from private boreholes. These alternative water sources are contaminated, unprotected, and not safe for drinking. Inevitably they predispose the community members to several health risks such as diarrhea, cholera, and malnutrition. Based on Al Osaila HC database, the SAM and MAM reported during 2024 from January to November from the project area were 156 SAM cases (69 boys and 87 girls), and 493 MAM cases (223 boys and 270 girls). In addition, 889 cases (191 Women, 179 Men, 267 girls, and 252 Boys) reported having water-borne diseases such as diarrhea.

The humanitarian crisis and conflict in Yemen since March 2015 and the subsequent lack of funding have had severe consequences on the management and operation of water projects. As a result, the government has been unable to pay salaries and allocate budgets for the upkeep of water projects. This financial strain has posed significant challenges for both GARWSP and WMC to collect sufficient water fees to install a pump and power system.

Description of Physical Activities to Be Done

One project will be implemented in the Almunabihah region, AlMashawilah Al Souphlaa Sub-district, Alma'afer District, Taiz Governorate, Yemen, focusing on rehabilitating the water scheme and enhancing community access to safe water through WASH activities. Save the Children (SC) will undertake the following activities at the water scheme level:

• A new pump will be installed, capable of delivering 18 m³/hr against a total head of 160 meters, ensuring a sustainable and efficient water supply while minimizing reliance on diesel and reducing air pollution.
• Upgrading the 300 m³ capacity tank to improve its storage and distribution efficiency, ensuring a reliable water supply for the community.
• Approximately 1,152 meters of galvanized iron (GI) pumping lines will be installed to facilitate the safe transfer of drinking water from the borehole to the storage tank.
• Five communal water distribution points will be created, enhancing access for beneficiaries and ensuring that clean water is readily available.

At the community level, the WASH activities will include:

• SC will conduct training sessions focused on water project management, financial management, and operation and maintenance, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the water scheme.
• SC will provide the Water Management Committee (WMC) with essential materials and tools for effective water quality monitoring and maintenance, ensuring that the water accessed by beneficiaries remains clean and safe.

The other project is set to be implemented in Bani Hamad region, Al Mawasit district, Taiz Governorate, Yemen, targeting the water scheme and the community through the WASH activities. SC will undertake the following activities at the water scheme level:

• Rehabilitation of the existing pump room to provide safety and security, protect equipment, and ensure efficient maintenance.
• Installation of a pumping unit working with solar power to provide safe drinking water and reduce noise and air pollution.
• Installation of a pumping line to ensure the transfer of drinking water to the distribution tanks in a safe manner.

The WASH activities at the community level are:

• Train the water management committee on water project management, financial management, operation, and maintenance to ensure the sustainability of the water scheme.
• Provision of water quality surveillance and maintenance-related materials and tools to the WMCs to ensure the sustainability of clean water to beneficiaries.

Description of Structures

The project encompasses the following key activities:

• Borehole Rehabilitation: Installation of a new submersible pump designed to deliver 18 m³/hour at a total head of 160 meters, based on sustainable borehole yield test results confirming a rate of 5 L/s.
• Solar Energy System: A solar-powered pumping system will be installed to replace diesel generators, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. The solar array will be situated on prepared land near the borehole site.
• Pumping Line Installation: Supply and installation of 1,152 meters of galvanized iron (GI) pipeline (3-inch diameter) to efficiently transfer water from the borehole to the newly rehabilitated storage tank.
• Water Storage and Distribution: Rehabilitation of the existing 300 m³ water tank, alongside the installation of 6,400 meters of polyethylene water distribution network, connecting to five new public water points located throughout the targeted villages.
• Pumping Room Rehabilitation: Repair and reinforcement of the existing pumping room will ensure it adequately houses the pump, control panels, and inverter, thereby protecting and prolonging the lifespan of the installed equipment.

The proposed water scheme structure consists of:

• Water Source: Protected borehole with casing and a depth of 90 m, 8 in diameter, and safe yield is 7l/s.
• Pumping System: A solar pump unit will be used to move water from the source to the distribution tanks
• Pump Room: This room will house the pump, inverter, combiner, and related equipment. It ensures that the pumps are protected and maintained properly. Rehabilitation of the existing pump room involves repairing and upgrading the infrastructure to ensure efficient operation.
• Pumping line: This line of pipes and pumps delivers water from the borehole to the distribution tanks to the end-beneficiaries, such as households, health facilities, schools, and disability schools. The installation of a pump to improve water flow and distribution.
• Maintenance Kit: Providing the Water Management Committee (WMC) with a maintenance kit is essential to ensuring that the water scheme is well-maintained contributes to the sustainability and resilience of the water supply system and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community

 

Authority required action (e.g., Providing permit(s), funding, etc.)

The rehabilitation of the water schemes will be implemented in close coordination with the General Authority for Rural Water Supply Projects (GARWASP), the local council, and Al-Aswadi's water management committee.

 

Local Council & GARWASP: This authority will help nominate the areas most in need of water based on specific criteria, share experiences, participate in supervisory visits, and train the WMC, as GARWAP has extensive experience in this field.

 

Water Management Committee (WMC): This committee will participate in the follow-up on the construction during the rehabilitation and the reception of the water scheme with GARWAP to operate, manage, and maintain the water scheme and ensure financial recovery.

 

Capacity Building and Training: Providing training and capacity-building for the water management committee and other stakeholders to guarantee the proper operation and maintenance of the water scheme.

 

Public Awareness: Promoting public awareness and education campaigns to inform the community about the importance of water conservation, and hygiene practices to maintain sustainable use of water resources.

 

Description of the environment / site characterization.

The Al Aswadi Water Supply Project is located in the Bani Hamad Sub-district of Al Mawasit District, Taiz Governorate, Yemen. This region features diverse topography, including mountains and valleys, which significantly influence water availability and agricultural practices. The local economy relies heavily on rain-fed farming, with terraced fields common in mountainous areas.

 

Currently, the community faces severe challenges in accessing reliable water supply services, leading to frequent shortages and reliance on unsafe water sources. Residents often fetch water from unprotected wells and natural springs, exposing them to health risks, including waterborne diseases. Women and children frequently undertake long journeys to collect water, which exposes them to various dangers, including harassment and violence.

 

The project aims to address these urgent needs by implementing sustainable water management practices and enhancing access to clean water, ultimately improving the community's health and resilience against climatic changes. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will evaluate the potential environmental impacts of these interventions, ensuring that both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term sustainability are prioritized.

 

The Almunabihah Water Scheme is located in the AlMashawilah Al Souphlaa Sub-district of the Alma'afer District, Taiz Governorate, Yemen. This area is characterized by diverse topography, including mountains and valleys, which significantly affect water availability and local agricultural practices.

Currently, the community faces critical challenges in accessing reliable water supply services, resulting in frequent shortages and dependence on unsafe water sources. Residents often rely on unprotected wells and natural springs, exposing them to serious health risks such as waterborne diseases. Women and children are particularly affected, as they undertake long journeys to collect water, putting them at risk of harassment and violence.

The rehabilitation project aims to address these urgent water needs by restoring access to safe drinking water and promoting sustainable water management practices. This will enhance community resilience and improve health outcomes while ensuring minimal environmental impact. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will assess the potential environmental effects of these interventions, prioritizing both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term sustainability.

 

 

 

Geographic coordinates

 

Name	Location	GPS Coordinates Format
Almunabihah Water Scheme	AlMashawilah Al Souphlaa Sub-district of the Alma'afer District in the Taiz Governorate	Lat: 13.360790 "N Long: 43.864943 "E
Al Aswadi water scheme	Bani Hamad Sub-district, Al-Mawasist District, Taiz Governorate	Lat:   13.254404 "N            Long: 44.074509 "E