Yemen is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. The Water and Sanitation Program-Africa (WSP-AF) has recently signed an agreement to initiate operations in Yemen, supported by the Netherlands government. The agreement has been facilitated by the Bank's Middle East and North Africa regional staff. The first two years' work program, expected to begin early in FY03, will focus on supporting the government of Yemen in the development of rural water supply approaches and the expansion of capacity as a basis for future investment. A leading rural water supply expert is currently under recruitment to lead a country team. The Yemen country operation is WSP's first in the Middle East, and will be managed out of its Nairobi office.

Contact: Piers Cross, Regional Team Leader, wspaf@worldbank.org

Source: ACCESS, Jun 2002