On Friday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earmarked a substantial grant of $160 million (60 billion Ouguiya) to significantly improve access to potable water across 165 Mauritanian villages across the drought-stricken nation. Signed in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott, this grant aims to catalyze sustainable development in some of the country’s most arid regions.
This collaborative project between the UAE and Mauritania will see the construction of a water conveyance system from the Senegal River to targeted villages in the Brakna, Assaba, and Tagant states. The use of reinforced cement piping is planned to ensure the longevity and reliability of the infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development practices.
The initiative is set to benefit around 115,000 people, providing them with essential clean drinking water. Additionally, it will cater to the water needs of approximately 3 million heads of livestock and enable the irrigation of 3,500 hectares of agricultural land, thereby bolstering food security and the agricultural sector in these communities.
The agreement was signed by Hamad Ghanem Hamad Al Mehairi, the UAE Ambassador to 
, and Abdel Salam Ould Mohamed Saleh, the Mauritanian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, marking a new chapter in the UAE’s support for Mauritanian infrastructure development.
Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani laid the foundation stone for the “Multipurpose Water Transfer Project from the Riverbank to Central Mauritania” in Bababe district, underscoring the project’s strategic importance.
The mayor of Mali highlighted the significant public interest and urgent need for the “Multipurpose Water Transfer Project from the Riverbank to Central Mauritania.” This initiative, underpinned by President Ghazouani’s support, underscores Mauritania’s commitment to addressing water scarcity challenges and enhancing the livelihoods of its rural populations through sustainable development projects.
