U.A.E. spends Dh1b on water supply in 61 countries

Abu Dhabi (WAM): U.A.E. has offered more than Dh one billion in foreign aid between 2009-2013 to help ensure water supply in 61 countries, according to the Ministry of Development and International Co-operation (MICAD). Dh494.4 million of the Dh1.014 billion were channelled to improve basic water supply to households in the targeted countries of which Afghanistan emerged as the top recipient with Dh231 million, MICAD said citing figures from a report it released following the launch yesterday of U.A.E. Suqia Initiative (charity water) by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to provide clean drinking water to five million people worldwide. Dh352 million of the U.A.E.'s aid contributed to the development of river basins in different countries with Sudan receiving the lion's share of Dh152.3 million. Of the Dh53 million channelled to the development of infrastructure of maritime transport, Pakistan received the lion's share (Dh22.8) followed by Egypt (Dh15.9). Of the Dh52.2 million targeting public health in water sector, Afghanistan again topped the list of recipients with Dh16 million. Dh36 million were channelled to different countries to improve large water supply systems with Montenegro emerging as the top recipient with around Dh24 million. Of the total amount, Dh21.6 million were spent on large public health services, Dh11.3 million on basic public health services and Dh153 million on various water supply and sewage projects in recipient countries. – Emirates News Agency, WAM