World Bank-Backed Water Sector Recovery Project Reaches Final Evaluation Phase in Syria

Syria's Ministry of Energy, through its Water Sector Regulatory Administration, announced on Tuesday the completion of preparatory work for the World Bank-backed Water Sector Recovery Support Project, which has now advanced to its final evaluation phase in accordance with internationally recognised procedures and standards. The five-year programme runs from 2026 to 2031.

The project aims to rehabilitate critical water infrastructure, improve drinking water and sanitation service delivery, and strengthen the efficiency and sustainability of water resources across a number of priority areas throughout Syria.

Key Project Components

• Emergency maintenance and rehabilitation of water supply networks in the governorates most severely affected during the Syrian conflict.
• Rehabilitation of the Ain Zarqa water system in Idlib Governorate, encompassing pumping stations, storage tanks, and transmission networks.
• Completion and upgrading of the Upper Orontes project in Homs and Hama governorates, improving water supply to several urban centres and residential communities.
• Development of the Adra wastewater treatment plant in Rural Damascus, enhancing both environmental conditions and service quality in the area.

Modern Systems and Institutional Governance

Beyond physical infrastructure, the programme will introduce modern water network monitoring and management systems, raise operational efficiency, and support institutional governance and capacity building within the sector. All preparatory work, including technical studies and required assessments, has been completed in coordination with relevant authorities, paving the way for subsequent implementation phases.

Transparency and Community Participation

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and community engagement by making the project's updated documents publicly available and inviting stakeholders to review and submit observations, with the aim of refining the project's design and improving its outcomes. The initiative comes against the backdrop of severe damage sustained by Syria's water infrastructure over recent years, which has significantly reduced the quality and reach of drinking water and sanitation services across large parts of the country.