Source - Middle East and North Africa

Oman: water desalination privatisation by 2009

05 Jan 07

All power generation and water desalination companies in Oman are set to be privatised by 2009.

Gulf: political will needed for sustainable water resources

05 Jan 07

Political will of the authorities to take actions in accordance with science-based policy guidelines for the sustainable management of water and ecosystem resources are necessary pre-requisites for mitigating water-related harmful effects on ecosystems and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the freshwater resources in the Gulf.

Middle East: private sector has its eyes on US$ 120 billion market

06 Dec 06

Demand for water in the Middle East is rising rapidly, and the private sector is casting its eyes over what could become a $120 billion (EUR 90 billion) market over the next decade.

Syria, Damascus: ground water level dropped to 200 metres

01 Nov 06

Because of water supply not meeting rising water demands in Damascus, water is currently being rationed to 13 hours a day. Over the past 20 years the level of ground water in the Barada basin, on which Damascus sits, has dropped from 50 metres to 200 metres underground.

Middle East: scientists are cooperating over water issues

01 Nov 06

The scientific community in the Middle East shows some contrasts to the military and political conflicts that are so often the fodder for front-page news. Three examples of teamwork around water issues stand out.

Lebanon: water and hygiene aids for war victims in south

06 Oct 06

Since the ceasefire took effect in Southern Lebanon, UNICEF has provided an estimated 2 million litres of water to communities, including El Khiam. It. has also been distributing two truckloads of hygiene kits.

Lebanon: Amnesty accuses Israel of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure

14 Sep 06

In their latest report Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing war crimes by deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in Lebanon.

Iraq: corruption slows down reconstruction of basic facilities

13 Sep 06

The US government donated some US$ 45 billion for reconstruction and relief funding to Iraq. However, due to endemic corruption, people are still lacking basic facilities such as power, clean potable water and sanitation.

Lebanon: rivers form part of conflict with Israel

23 Aug 06

Water has been and will continue to be of great importance in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict, though the truth of this is often overlooked. Worthy of consideration in this context are two waterways of south Lebanon, the Hasbani River and the Litani River.