Marib, Yemen – November 7, 2024 – In a significant step towards addressing one of the most urgent humanitarian needs in Yemen, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has launched a comprehensive project to improve sanitation services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the host community in Marib Governorate. This initiative, which is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), aims to enhance public health and living conditions for thousands of vulnerable individuals affected by ongoing conflict and displacement.
The project is designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions to the sanitation challenges faced by IDPs and local residents in Marib. It will achieve this through the construction of 200 new latrines, the rehabilitation of 600 sewage pits, and the enhancement of local waste management infrastructure. These critical interventions will help mitigate the spread of disease, improve hygiene practices, and create safer living environments for the population.
KSrelief’s efforts will directly benefit 47,598 individuals, while an additional 137,580 people in the surrounding community will see improved sanitation and waste management conditions as a result of the project. By bolstering access to safe and reliable sanitation services, the initiative aims to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for those living in Marib, which continues to bear the brunt of Yemen’s protracted humanitarian crisis.
Abdusattor Esoev, the Chief of Mission for IOM in Yemen, emphasized the critical importance of this project for the people of Marib, noting that the region is currently facing some of the most difficult living conditions in the country. "This initiative is not just a short-term fix; it is a lifeline for the residents of Marib, providing immediate relief to those who need it most while laying the groundwork for lasting solutions to the severe sanitation issues that persist here," he said.
The project’s broader impact goes beyond sanitation improvements; it also strengthens the local capacity for waste management, empowering the community to better manage these services in the long run. This aspect of the project will be pivotal in ensuring that the progress made can be sustained and scaled over time, contributing to improved public health outcomes and greater resilience in the face of future challenges.
As part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing humanitarian efforts, the sanitation project aligns with KSrelief’s broader mission to address the pressing needs of both IDPs and host communities across Yemen. Over the years, KSrelief has consistently worked to provide essential aid to those affected by the conflict, focusing on a range of sectors, including health, education, food security, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
With this new initiative, KSrelief and IOM are not only improving immediate living conditions but also investing in the long-term well-being of the people in Marib, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to alleviating suffering and fostering stability in Yemen. As the situation in Yemen remains complex and fluid, such projects play a crucial role in providing stability and hope to communities in desperate need of assistance.
This sanitation project in Marib is just one example of the multifaceted humanitarian response underway in Yemen. As the needs continue to grow, KSrelief and its partners remain dedicated to delivering vital aid and building the foundation for a better, healthier future for the people of Yemen.