The governments of Mauritania and France have signed a financing agreement worth €41 million to improve and develop water services in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The accord was signed by Mauritanian Minister of Economic Affairs and Development Mouhamedou Ahmedou Mhaimid and French Ambassador Emmanuel Besnier, along with Inias Monkam Dafera, director of the French Development Agency office in Nouakchott. This agreement aims to enhance the efficiency of water distribution networks.
The project will focus on reducing technical and commercial losses in water networks, rehabilitating and installing 150,000 domestic connections. This will improve water supply for approximately 1.6 million inhabitants, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and urban outskirts. The Mauritanian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development stated that the initiative will also strengthen the resilience of hydraulic infrastructure to climate change.
The agreement is part of efforts to improve access to essential services for urban and rural populations and strengthen strategic public institutions. Mauritania's Minister of Economic Affairs and Development noted that the country's water access rate has exceeded 77%. The project also aims to improve the technical and institutional performance of the National Water Company.
French Ambassador Emmanuel Besnier emphasized that the financing reflects France's commitment to supporting Mauritania's development priorities. He highlighted that France's total financial aid to Mauritania through the French Development Agency amounts to around €500 million, with a focus on water and sanitation sectors.
The French Development Agency's support for Mauritania's water sector is part of a broader effort to enhance the country's infrastructure. The agency's director in Nouakchott, Inias Monkam Dafera, and Ambassador Besnier signed the agreement on behalf of France. The Mauritanian government looks forward to implementing the project.
The water development project will have a significant impact on the lives of Mauritanians, particularly in urban areas. By reducing water losses and expanding connections, the project will improve the reliability and quality of water services. This, in turn, will contribute to better health and living standards for the population.
The agreement between Mauritania and France demonstrates the strong partnership between the two countries in the water and sanitation sector. With a total of €500 million in financial aid from France, Mauritania is making progress in achieving its development goals. The implementation of this project will be closely monitored to ensure its effectiveness.
Key points
- The agreement aims to improve water supply for approximately 1.6 million inhabitants in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
- The project will rehabilitate and install 150,000 domestic connections to reduce technical and commercial losses in water networks.
- France's total financial aid to Mauritania through the French Development Agency amounts to around €500 million.
