Deputy Minister of Energy: 60% of the water system in Syria is out of service and strategic plans to improve water security

The Deputy Minister of Energy for Water Affairs, Engineer Osama Abu Zaid, stated in an interview with "Al-Ikhbariya" channel today, Sunday, that the infrastructure of the water sector in Syria has suffered extensive destruction during the years of war, exceeding 60%, noting that many towns and villages have completely lost their water systems.

Abu Zaid explained that the main transport and distribution networks have been significantly damaged, affecting the delivery of drinking water to the population, pointing out that the annual share of water per person in Syria does not exceed 600 cubic meters, compared to 1000 cubic meters globally, which reflects the magnitude of the challenges facing water security in the country.

The official confirmed that the ministry has developed a plan to rehabilitate and upgrade dams to meet future needs, emphasizing that the seawater desalination project is considered a strategic option despite its high cost, in order to ensure the sustainability of water resources in light of climate changes.

In the context of regional cooperation, Abu Zaid pointed out that there is Syrian-Jordanian coordination to develop the Yarmouk River basin and increase shared water resources, which serves the interests of both countries and enhances water security in the region.

He also talked about quick solutions that have been implemented, including the maintenance of damaged stations and networks, along with medium-term solutions based on the establishment of solar energy systems to operate water stations, in a step aimed at reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and achieving higher operational efficiency.