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The Power of the Sun: Fueling Water Wells in Tarim

By UNDP Yemen

February 20^th, 2023

In much of rural Yemen, people rely upon independent community water projects to supply the water they so desperately need. Extracted deep from within wells, the water has been traditionally pumped by public electricity grids or diesel generators. The electricity bills and/or diesel costs are typically covered by monthly contributions from either the local community or paid for by homeowners. Unfortunately, due to Yemen’s ongoing conflict, the cost is now unaffordable to many, leading to non-operational wells and resulting in water shortages in many rural areas.

To address this issue, the authorities and international organizations are working together to provide additional funding and resources to ensure that these community water projects remain operational.

Around 12,000 residents in five residential gatherings and villages in the Al-Qaryah area of the Tarim district of Hadramout. Located within the Wadi Hadramout governorate, the community uses two wells built in 1970.

Like many parts of Yemen, people in the villages suffer from a lack of clean water. This is compounded by constant power outages and the high cost of fuel to run the pumps, leaving villagers to find ways to keep the taps running. This lack of access to clean water has a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of those living in the villages, as well as their ability to access necessities.

In early 2022, the General Authority of Rural Water Supply Projects (GARWSP) was able to drill a third well in the area to meet the growing water demand. Abdullah Basalama, head of the project's Management Committee reports that studies have shown that the well site “contains an abundance of good quality, potable groundwater." However, the location is far from the utility grid. With diesel generators being quite expensive and, with the occasional shortage crisis, the cost of the extra fuel means higher operating costs that the project cannot afford.

“Monthly, we must now pay between YER 800,000 and 1,000,000 (approximately US$ 800 to US$ 1,000) in utility bills. Whereas diesel costs us around YER 400,000 (approximately US$ 400) per month.”

Abdullah Basalama, head of the project’s Management Committee. Photo credit: UNDP Yemen

Abdullah Basalama, head of the project’s Management Committee, speaking to a staff member of Building Foundation for Development, UNDP’s implementing partner. Photo credit: UNDP Yemen

As a solution to the high costs of fuel, and to ensure the communities have access to lifesaving well water, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) worked with GARWSP to power the well using the capacity of 48 kilowatts of solar energy. In addition, to help make the water pumping into the main reservoir more efficient, the intervention also included the installation of 600 meters of 4-inch pipelines. This is a sustainable and clean solution to help solve both access problems and high operating costs.

Two workers in Al-Qaryah getting the location ready for the solar system operation | Photo credit: UNDP Yemen

Prior to this, with support from GARWSP, the Building Foundation for Development (BFD), UNDP’s implementing partner, conducted a survey to explore community water needs to determine the required support.

The Power of the Sun: Fueling Water Wells in Tarim

“As suspected, the survey indicated that water community projects in the region require extensive interventions. We selected the Al-Qaryah project because there was great potential and a high probability of solving the issues of this vital community water project,” explains Abdullah Bahraq, the GARWSP Manager in the Wadi and Desert of Hadramout.

Abdullah Bahraq, the GARWSP Manager in the Wadi and Desert of Hadramout | Photo credit: UNDP Yemen

“The crises that hit Yemen has weakened the country and left the government unable to provide basic services,” Bahraq says. The Al-Qaryah water project is serving as a model project for nearby districts. Based in Tarim, it covers both a large area and number of populations. “With high operational costs, and increased water demand with the new urban expansion, we must look for alternative solutions.”

UNDP and BFD staff during an inspection of the new solar system | Photo credit: UNDP Yemen

Within the project, UNDP provided training courses to 10 Water Project Committees in the targeted districts of Tarim and Al Abr, Hadramout. “Thanks to UNDP’s project, we now have better qualified Committees running the community water projects,” says Mr. Bahraq. “The trainings addressed the management and financial operations of the water community projects, as well as the concept of solar energy, which is still new in the country.”

Testing the operation of the water pump when finalizing the solar panels installation. Photo credit: UNDP Yemen

By harnessing the power of the sun, the people of Al-Qaryah area can now extract the essence of life – clean and accessible water – and enjoy the benefits of a healthier and more prosperous life.

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Funded by Japan, the Emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Support for Crisis Affected Communities in Hadramout supports improved WASH systems in five healthcare centers in Hadramout including water supply and handwashing services, the rehabilitation of sanitation systems and training, and systems development for medical waste management. The project is implemented in two areas of Hadramout Governorate (Tarim and Al Abr) and its activities will contribute to improving quality of life for millions of Yemenis, creating a stronger economy by increasing productivity, and contributing to stability by allowing communities to enjoy the benefits of peace.

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