The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has pledged a $10 million grant to provide safe and sustainable water in conflict-affected communities in Sudan, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
To this end, the SFD’s CEO, Sultan Al Marshad, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the High Commissioner of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Barham Salih, and the Permanent Representative of Sudan to the UN and international organizations, Ambassador Hassan Hamid.
The signing took place in Geneva at the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the UN, with the presence of the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila.
Under the agreement, the SFD will provide a $10 million grant to rehabilitate and expand primary water networks in Sudan. This includes improving the Nile water supply system in Khartoum, rehabilitating its operations using solar energy, and enhancing technical capacities.
It also involves community participation to ensure project sustainability, facilitating water access, reducing the risk of diseases and epidemics, promoting public health, and increasing resilience against environmental challenges.
On this occasion, SFD’s Al Marshad underscored Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to ensure safe and potable water for the people of Sudan. He noted that this grant, in partnership with the UNHCR, contributes to strengthening water infrastructure and providing sustainable solutions that address urgent needs and support long-term development in Sudan.
Meanwhile, Salih highlighted the crucial role of Saudi Arabia‘s financial support in boosting resilience and self-sufficiency among populations in conflict zones while strengthening communities’ vital infrastructure.
The MoU is part of the Kingdom’s broader development efforts aimed at alleviating suffering, mitigating the risk of waterborne diseases, and bolstering community health.
The partnership between the SFD and UNHCR is now entering its second decade, having delivered $85 million in aid through 18 projects worldwide, empowering over 5 million people.
