Al Makha City, Yemen – In a milestone event today, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), together with local authorities, community representatives, and its partners, inaugurated the completion of Al Makha City Water Project. This critical intervention will provide clean water to over 120,000 residents, including host community members and internally displaced persons, significantly improving living conditions for crisis-affected populations in the city.

Years of conflict and underdevelopment had forced Al Makha’s residents to rely on highly saline water sources, significantly increasing health risks. In response to urgent appeals from local authorities and the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Cluster, the project was recognized as a top priority in 2022 and swiftly initiated to address this critical need. By restoring access to fresh water, the newly completed water supply system is delivering clean water to the city, supporting efforts to prevent waterborne diseases and providing long-term solutions for improved health.

“With the completion of the Al Makha City Water Project, we are taking a significant step in addressing one of the most critical challenges faced by communities here – access to safe, clean water,” said IOM’s Acting Chief of Mission in Yemen, Matt Huber. “This project goes beyond simply providing water; it is about restoring dignity and security to thousands of people who have endured immense hardship. By bringing fresh water into their homes, we are improving lives and supporting the long-term health and resilience of this community. IOM, alongside its partners, remains dedicated to creating sustainable, lasting solutions that will continue to benefit the people of Yemen for generations to come.”

The completion of this project is the culmination of nearly three years of efforts to bring fresh water to Al Makha’s population. The final stage, carried out over the past nine months, involved installing 7.5 kilometers of transmission pipeline, which now connects the city to a reliable fresh water source. This long-awaited intervention also included the construction of five inspection rooms to ensure regular monitoring and maintenance of the system, installation of six borehole monitoring devices to track water depletion, and the introduction of an automatic chlorine dosing system to ensure the safety of the water supply.

In addition to the technical infrastructure, IOM has worked to build the capacity of local actors to sustain these improvements. Training was provided to the Local Water and Sanitation Corporation (LAWSC) on effective chlorination techniques to ensure long-term maintenance of the water system. Community hygiene promoters were also trained to disseminate messages on safe water practices and responsible water use, aiming to reinforce community-led initiatives for water conservation and hygiene.

IOM’s approach has been to not only address the immediate water needs of the population but to ensure the long-term sustainability of the intervention. By strengthening local capacity and promoting cooperation between humanitarian actors and local authorities, IOM aims to reduce dependency on aid and foster resilience in communities that have been affected by conflict and displacement.

The newly inaugurated water system serves as a model for future interventions in Yemen, demonstrating how sustainable solutions can transform communities. Over the past four years, IOM has completed 26 major water projects along the West Coast and in Ta’iz, benefiting nearly 500,000 people by providing access to safe drinking water through solar-powered systems and infrastructure rehabilitation.

In close collaboration with local authorities and donors, IOM is committed to replicating these successes in other underserved areas, fostering resilience and empowering communities to manage water resources sustainably. The project and similar efforts lay the foundation for continued progress in Yemen’s water and sanitation needs.

As part of this broader effort, IOM has also launched a documentary titled “Liquid Hope: How Access to Water is Reshaping Yemen’s Communities.” The film provides an intimate portrayal of the struggles faced by communities in Yemen due to water scarcity, while showcasing the profound impact of projects like the Al Makha City Water Project. Through powerful stories and visuals, the documentary highlights the vital role that access to water plays in restoring dignity, fostering peace, and promoting development in war-torn areas. The full documentary can be accessed here.

This impactful initiative has been generously funded by several key donors, including the German government through KfW Development Bank, the Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF), the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), and the Government of Japan.

For more information, please contact:

Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer: mchiriac@iom.int 
IOM Yemen’s Communications Team: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int