Joint Campaign to Remove Encroachments on Main Water Lines in Damascus and its Countryside

As part of enhancing water security and protecting the infrastructure of water networks, the Damascus Water Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, carried out a wide field campaign that resulted in the removal of over 40 documented encroachments on the main supply lines feeding the Qudsaya area and its suburbs.

According to SANA, Engineer Mohammad Al-Kurdi, head of the readiness office at the Authority, affirmed that "these encroachments significantly affect the water quantities reaching the main reservoirs, causing a disruption in the announced daily supply program, and negatively impacting the area's residents."

Field inspections revealed leaks and unauthorized connections on the main pumping line, where large amounts of drinking water were diverted for irrigating agricultural lands along the Bajaa-Sahari road, as reported by SANA.

Abdul-Ameen Haydar, head of the Central Water Patrol, explained that "encroachments on the main lines negatively impact water distribution to citizens," noting that "efforts are underway to remove all violations and prevent their recurrence through regular monitoring."

Shadi Al-Shahin, an employee at the Central Patrol, added that "technical teams conduct on-site water analysis before removing any encroachment," pointing out that "results confirmed that the leaked water is potable water produced from the Authority's wells, being illegally used for non-drinking purposes."

The Qudsaya area administration, under the Ministry of Interior, participated in the campaign, where Hameed Al-Qarah, a representative of the administration, stated that "security authorities supported the removal of encroachments, especially those related to irrigating agricultural lands, operating car washes, and block factories."

He indicated that "the campaign is not limited to just removing encroachments, but also includes protecting the infrastructure of water networks and ensuring their fair distribution to citizens," confirming "the convergence of official and popular efforts to protect water resources and enhance national water security."

This campaign is part of a comprehensive plan to combat encroachments on water networks, where the Damascus Water Authority pledged to continue implementing campaigns in cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure the fair provision of water and prevent waste and misuse.