From dust to dreams: the miracle of the water project

For the past 8 years, Yemen has been grappling with conflict, exacerbating an already dire water crisis. As one of the world's most water-scarce countries, Yemen has faced significant challenges in accessing clean water and adequate sanitation services. Destruction of infrastructure, large-scale displacements, limited water resources management, and the impacts of climate change have significantly increased the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs of the Yemeni people.  

Amid this crisis, the village of Kod Bihan, located in Tuban district in Lahj governorate, has emerged as a beacon of hope. Dependent on agriculture and caring for camels and livestock as a source of income, the people of Kod Bihan have experienced a transformative journey, thanks to a water project that has revitalized their community.

The village is home to about 500 people, mostly the elderly and children, in addition to some younger residents. Because of depletion of the aquifer and intrusion of sea water, the quality of the water has become highly saline and contaminated. This caused many problems for the inhabitants of the village, as they rely on this water as their only source.  

Medair intervened in the region, where a team of WASH engineers carried out a water desalination project - converting salty well water into drinkable water through a desalination and water purification system.

Safia, an 87-year-old grandmother living in the village shared with us: “In the past, obtaining water was a big problem for everyone. The wells in our village are saltwater, and we could not use it for irrigation or drinking. We had to buy drinking water at a high price. This was an additional financial burden on the people.”

“After the conflict, the water situation became even worse, as we were helpless and unable to buy water from outside the village,” she adds. “The people of the village were forced to migrate to other areas to find water. Many young people left the village to look for work in other areas, leaving behind the elderly and children.”Safia added: “The people of the village were very happy when they heard that a desalination project would be carried out. We were waiting for this project for a long time and pleasantly surprised by the cooperation committee and the local council, who carried out this project in cooperation with Medair.”

“This project has brought us water, and it is a great relief for us. Now we have enough water for drinking and irrigation, and we no longer need to travel outside of the village to buy water.”

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Safia notes that the project has benefited the people of the village greatly, as it has brought water to every household. The project has also encouraged many young people to return to the village, as they now see a future here, one that was impossible to envision before.

The project has also contributed to reducing the burden on women, as they no longer need to travel long distances to fetch water, and can devote more time to their families and their work at home. Safia concludes: “We thank all those who contributed to the implementation of this project.”

“I hope that all the surrounding villages can benefit from a similar water project, so that their suffering will be alleviated too. God willing, the country will be reformed, the problems and conflicts will stop, and my grandchildren and granddaughters will grow up in better conditions and better health,” says Safia.

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Medair services in Yemen are funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Yemen Humanitarian Fund - Yemen OCHA, World Vision, the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA / USAID), and .and private donors. 

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organization.  

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