Bamako, January 09, 2025 – The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) officially launched a critical project on Monday aimed at providing safe drinking water to communities across the Republic of Mali. The inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of several key figures, including the Saudi Ambassador to Mali, Abdullah bin Saleh Sabr, Mali's Minister of Religious Affairs and Worship, Mamadou Kone, and Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Muallem, the Director of the Health and Environmental Aid Department at KSrelief.
This landmark initiative, which forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts worldwide, focuses on addressing the severe water scarcity issues in Mali, where access to clean drinking water remains a pressing challenge for many rural and underserved communities. The project will involve the drilling of 445 artesian wells across the country, aimed at providing a sustainable and reliable water source for thousands of individuals in remote areas.
In addition to the drilling of these wells, the project will include a comprehensive set of infrastructural works designed to ensure the longevity and accessibility of the water supply. This includes excavation operations, the installation of specialized equipment such as water pumps, pipelines, and concrete infrastructure, as well as the integration of solar energy systems to power the pumps. The use of solar technology is a key feature of the project, as it will provide an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution to the challenges posed by unreliable electricity grids and ensure the continuous operation of the water pumps in the most remote areas.
The launch of this project highlights Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to supporting countries in need, particularly in the areas of health, infrastructure, and sustainable development. By providing access to clean water, KSrelief is not only alleviating a major health risk for millions of Malians, but also empowering local communities by improving their access to a basic yet essential resource. Clean drinking water is a vital component for preventing waterborne diseases, promoting better health outcomes, and enhancing the overall quality of life for affected populations.
Speaking at the inauguration, Saudi Ambassador Abdullah bin Saleh Sabr emphasized the importance of this project as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian mission, which seeks to provide long-term solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by communities across Africa and beyond. He also expressed hope that this initiative would strengthen the already cordial ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Mali, particularly in the fields of development and humanitarian assistance.
Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Muallem, from KSrelief, underscored that the water project is a vital part of the center’s efforts to support Mali’s long-term development goals, especially in areas that are most affected by water shortages. By integrating renewable energy and innovative solutions, the project is designed not only to address immediate needs but also to ensure that Mali’s communities have sustainable access to safe drinking water for years to come.
This initiative is part of KSrelief’s ongoing global efforts to provide humanitarian aid in a wide range of sectors, from healthcare to infrastructure, while also contributing to the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to foster sustainable development and global cooperation. The project in Mali marks a significant step forward in ensuring that clean water reaches some of the most underserved populations in the Sahel region, enhancing the Kingdom’s reputation as a global leader in humanitarian relief and development.