King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre launches a project to rehabilitate safe drinking water infrastructure in Al-Jazirah State, Sudan

The launch ceremony, held at the premises of the Saudi Embassy in Port Sudan, was attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Sudan. This marks an important step in responding to the humanitarian needs of the people of Al-Jazirah State as they rebuild their lives after waves of mass displacement.

Al-Jazirah State has become a hub for return movements in Sudan, having received 962,995 returnees since December 2024, representing about 43% of the national total. This massive influx has placed unprecedented pressure on the already fragile water infrastructure, making access to clean drinking water a matter of survival and dignity for families striving to rebuild their lives.

The project, “Emergency Support for Returnees from Internally Displaced Persons in Al-Jazirah State: Rehabilitation and Improvement of Basic Water Services”, will directly benefit around 200,000 returnees and local communities in five high-need localities, including Al-Kamlin, Al-Hasahisa, South Al-Jazirah, Greater Madani, and Umm Al-Qura, through several key interventions:

• Drilling 15 new wells equipped with elevated water tanks and solar-powered pumps
• Rehabilitating 40 existing wells to restore their operational capacity
• Installing 30 solar units to ensure continuity of operation and sustainability
• Training 40 local technicians in operation and maintenance to guarantee long-term system sustainability

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, stated: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains committed to standing with the Sudanese people during the ongoing crisis in their country. KSrelief’s partnership with UN-Habitat addresses one of the most fundamental human needs – access to safe drinking water. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and empowering local communities with the skills to maintain these systems, we are not simply responding to a crisis; we are laying the groundwork for lasting recovery and resilience."

Her Excellency Ms. Anacláudia Marinheiro Centeno Rossbach, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, noted that access to safe drinking water is the starting point for people to rebuild their homes, their health, and their future. “In our new Strategic Plan, UN-Habitat places housing, land and basic services at the center of sustainable urban development. This partnership with KSrelief is a concrete step toward supporting families as they return and helping communities restore the foundation they need to thrive.”

His Excellency Ambassador Ali bin Hassan Jaafar emphasized that the initiative marks a significant step in the humanitarian response aimed at improving the lives of residents in Gezira State following widespread displacement. The project focuses on providing clean and safe drinking water to affected communities, reflecting the strong and enduring fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sudan.

Meanwhile, Mr. Al-Tahir Ibrahim Al-Khair, Governor of Al-Jazirah State, Sudan, stated: “This partnership with UN-Habitat and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre addresses one of our most pressing challenges in the state — ensuring that every family has access to clean water. It is the starting point for restoring services and building a more stable future in the state.” He also expressed gratitude to both KSrelief and UN-Habitat for their dedicated efforts to assist the people of the state.

For his part, Mr. Mutaz Mustafa, UN-Habitat Sudan Programme Coordinator, said: “Access to water and basic services is not only about infrastructure; at its core, it is about empowering communities to rebuild and achieve sustainable urban recovery. Al-Jazirah State is witnessing one of the largest return movements in Sudan today, making intervention in this sector more urgent and vital.”

In conclusion, this initiative embodies the commitment of UN-Habitat and KSrelief to provide conditions that will enable safe, voluntary, and dignified return, thereby contributing to a better future for the returnees of Al-Jazirah State.