In Kidal in northern Mali, insecurity is combined with water stress on a daily basis. In this context, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (UNMISMA) is trying to provide solutions for the local population. The organization has just granted the Regional Directorate of Hydraulics (DRH) 17 million CFA francs (about 26,000 euros) for the acquisition of equipment, including flexible hoses, pump suction kits, hydraulic valves, etc.
According to the representative of the Governor of the Kidal region, Mohamed Ahmoudene, this support will contribute to the improvement of the State’s technical services and the living conditions of the population. “The HRD is a deconcentrated technical service of the State, responsible for implementing the National Water Policy at the regional level. It provides advisory support to local authorities in the preparation and implementation of their water projects and in coordinating the activities of all stakeholders in the water sub-sector in the region,” he explains.
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According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), groundwater collection in Kidal requires digging wells 70 meters deep and 130 meters for boreholes. In this context, UNMIS has undertaken a number of projects in recent years to improve the water supply for the people of this region.
Strengthening access to water in the region
In 2021, a UNMIS project enabled the HRD to extend its water supply network with an additional 5,000 linear meters, mainly in the Intidbane neighborhood, located about four kilometers from the center of Kidal town.
Also in the Kidal region, construction of a dam is underway with funding from the UN mission, to the tune of 60 million CFA francs (about 92,000 euros). “It is with the constant concern to improve the conditions of access to water for the population and livestock, while reducing community conflicts over water and grazing that we are financing these projects carried out by the population,” explains Insanatane Ag Rousmane, from the Security Sector Reform and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (SSR/DDR) section of the UN Mission in Mali.
Benoit-Ivan Wansi