Basin of Hope No. 4: Preserving Water to Reviving Lives in Manakhah, Yemen
Water is the lifeblood of our planet, and nowhere is that more evident than in Yemen, a country facing immense challenges in securing this vital resource. In the Manakhah district, irrigated agriculture forms the cornerstone of food security, employment, and economic activity. As a result of years of conflict and natural disasters, water resources have become severely strained, posing a threat to the livelihoods of local farmers and communities.
The impact of Basin of Hope No. 4 extends far beyond just water :
- Empowering Local Farmers: By restoring access to a reliable water source, we support farmers in cultivating their land effectively. That translates to increased agricultural production, bolstering food security for themselves and their families.
- Promoting Livelihoods: With a more robust agricultural sector, opportunities for employment and income generation rise. That fosters economic activity within the Manakhah district, contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for the community.
- Building Social Cohesion: Water is a shared resource, and its management requires cooperation. The project fosters collaboration among water users, strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The positive impact doesn’t stop there. Basin of Hope No. 4 directly contributes to achieving three crucial Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:
- SDG 1: No Poverty: The project directly addresses poverty and promotes economic growth by improving agricultural productivity.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Increased food production ensures access to safe and nutritious food for the Manakhah community, alleviating hunger and malnutrition.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: By constructing basin No. 4, the project ensures sustainable access to clean water for both agricultural and domestic purposes.
Stages of dividing the work of Hope Basin No. 4
Establishing a rainwater tank requires careful planning and organized implementation to ensure the success and sustainability of the project. The work on this project includes several main stages, which can be summarized as follows:
1- Study project designs
The initial phase of the project involves studying the proposed tank designs. This includes analyzing the local community’s needs, determining the tank’s capacity, and designing it to suit climatic and soil conditions. Architects and environmental engineers collaborate to develop a comprehensive plan that ensures efficient work.
2- The technical team descends for reconnaissance
After developing the designs, the technical team must go to the project site to conduct a comprehensive survey. This survey includes evaluating the site regarding soil, groundwater, and potential hazards. This analysis contributes to identifying any modifications that may be necessary in design or implementation.
3- Building a road to the project site
The next stage requires building a road to the tank site. That is essential to facilitate access to the necessary equipment and materials. Road construction requires good planning to avoid negative impacts on the surrounding environment and ensure the safety of workers.
4- Cutting stones and leveling the road
After the road is built, the stones are cut, and the surface is leveled to make it suitable for machinery passage. This step is crucial to facilitate the transportation of necessary materials and workers to the site, which helps speed up the implementation process.
5- Providing the necessary materials to start the project
At this stage, all critical tools for construction are provided, such as cement, gravel, iron, and others. Good storage of these materials is essential to avoid any subsequent delays in the implementation process.
6- Handing over the site to begin implementation operations
After completing the preparations, the site was handed to the team responsible for implementation. Workers execute the designs according to the specified schedule while adhering to safety and quality standards.
7- Completing the project
The final stage comes when the construction work is completed. The project will be finished after conducting the necessary checks to ensure the quality of work and the tank’s efficiency. This phase is also an opportunity to submit a final project report, including lessons learned and recommendations for the future..
The first phase of the Basin No. 4 project has been completed, which took seven months to build. The current structure stands at an impressive height of 10 meters, with a wall thickness of 12 meters and a base width of 17 meters, with water capacity up to 2 million liters. This initial phase will enable water collection until the upcoming rainy season. Our ultimate goal is to elevate the tank to a height of 25 meters, resulting in a colossal storage capacity of 50,000,000 liters of water. We remain committed to securing the necessary funding to achieve this ambitious target. The Basin of Hope No. 4 project will significantly impact the lives of the people in Manakh villages. By providing increased access to water, it will revitalize agriculture, a crucial source of income for the community. This enhanced water security will promote food production and reduce reliance on external sources, bolstering food security. Furthermore, a thriving agricultural sector will contribute to the local and national economy, empowering the community economically.
Your support will help us revitalize Manakhah’s agricultural sector, empower local communities, and lead the way to a more sustainable future.