Local authorities in Yemen’s interim capital, Aden, are seeking to expand Saudi-backed development projects as they work to rebuild war-damaged infrastructure and improve strained public services.
The planned projects cover water, education, sports, and roads, as well as a second phase of repairs to homes damaged during the Houthi takeover of the city in 2015.
Aden Governor Abdulrahman Sheikh discussed the plans with Ahmed Madkhali, director of the local office of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY).
Their meeting focused on preparations for the second phase of the housing rehabilitation project, as well as development and sports projects already underway or due to be launched.
Government sources said the two sides reviewed Friday progress on Saudi-funded projects and discussed closer cooperation on strategic schemes to improve basic services and expand infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Projects under review included a seawater desalination plant, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of sports club fields and the renovation of schools across Aden’s districts.
They also discussed final preparations for the next phase of repairs to war-damaged homes.
Saudi program representatives said the rehabilitation of the coastal road known as the Bridge Road, linking the Khormaksar and al-Mansoura districts, would be a priority among upcoming projects.
Work will begin after technical procedures are completed and the project is put out to tender, they said.
Sheikh also presented Aden’s investment program, which includes a package of priority development and service projects.
He called for a broader partnership with the Saudi program to help deliver strategic projects, improve public services and strengthen the city’s infrastructure.
The governor praised Saudi Arabia’s support through the reconstruction program, describing its projects as a key part of local efforts to rebuild Aden and improve services for residents.
Medical city and sustainable water supplies
Sheikh renewed his call for support to establish an integrated medical city in Aden.
He described the project as a strategic priority that would provide specialized healthcare to residents of Aden and neighboring provinces, ease pressure on existing health facilities and raise the standard of medical care.
Local authorities have also begun preparations for the construction of Yemen’s first seawater desalination plant, financed by SDRPY.
The project is intended to increase freshwater supplies and ease Aden’s water crisis.
Mohammed Bakhubaira, director-general of Aden’s Local Water and Sanitation Corporation, and Ahmed Ali al-Daoudi, director-general of al-Buraiqa district, inspected the proposed site behind the al-Hiswa power station.
They also reviewed technical preparations for the project.
Project officials said the first phase would produce about 10,000 cubic meters of water a day and would be implemented by Saudi Emar Construction and Development Co.
Infrastructure to meet growing demand
The two local officials said the desalination plant would increase drinking-water supplies and help address existing shortages by using modern technology and advanced quality standards.
They said the project would also build the capabilities of local workers in the desalination sector.
The officials pledged to provide the support needed to complete the plant, describing it as an important step toward strengthening water security and improving services essential to residents’ daily lives.
Local officials say continued Saudi-backed projects in Aden are supporting reconstruction and development while strengthening critical infrastructure and services, particularly in the water, education, road and health sectors.
They say the projects will help improve public services and meet the city’s growing needs.
