New York, September 29, 2024 - King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a landmark cooperation agreement yesterday to support the water and sanitation sector in Kassala and Gedaref states, Republic of Sudan, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The agreement, worth $3,500,000, aims to improve the quality of life for millions of people in need.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, and Achim Steiner, UNDP Director-General. This historic partnership marks a significant milestone in the joint efforts to address the pressing challenges faced by communities in Sudan, where access to clean water and sanitation remains a critical issue.
The assistance package will directly benefit 833,520 individuals and indirectly impact 5 million people. The project will focus on installing solar energy systems at ten new water plants, expanding water distribution points, and distributing water collection and storage containers to vulnerable families. Additionally, water treatment tablets will be provided to treat drinking water, ensuring that communities have access to safe and potable water.
To promote good hygiene practices, hygiene kits will be distributed to needy families, while handwashing materials will be supplied to 54 schools and clubs. Furthermore, publications targeting 10,000 people will be disseminated to raise awareness about the importance of personal hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases and epidemics.
The agreement is part of a broader strategy by the Kingdom to implement humanitarian and relief projects focused on the water and environmental sanitation sector. These initiatives aim to provide sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, reduce the spread of diseases, and improve the overall quality of life for people in need worldwide.
This partnership between KSrelief and UNDP is a testament to our commitment to providing humanitarian aid and relief to those in need," said Dr. Al Rabeeah. "We believe that access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, and we are proud to be working together with UNDP to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people in Sudan.
Achieving sustainable development requires collective efforts and partnerships, added Steiner. "We are grateful for the support of KSrelief in addressing the pressing challenges faced by communities in Sudan. Together, we can make a significant impact on improving the lives of millions of people.