08 May 2011
Balhaf, 8 May 2011 – Yemen LNG General Manager, François Rafin, French Red Cross representative, Shabwa Red Crescent Manager Dr. Abubaker Al-Shaklyah, and the Head of Mission of Triangle Generation Humanitaire (TGH), Serge Di Palma, signed in Balhaf today a number of agreements to jointly fund the implementation of 19 water projects, and two integrated Food Security Agriculture Projects for the benefit of Yemen LNG neighboring communities in Shabwa.

19 Water Projects, for an aggregated budget of 1.4 million US dollars, will be implemented by the French Red Cross in 2011 and 2012. These include the extension of water networks, rehabilitation of cisterns, Kareefs and water reservoirs and extension of storage capacity in 12 villages close to Yemen LNG pipeline benefiting around 6,200 inhabitants. Public sanitation and hygiene awareness campaigns will be launched as part of the project.

The Integrated Food Security Agriculture Projects, to be implemented by Triangle Generation Humanitaire over a period of 24 months, aim primarily to increase food production and local farmers’ income in the long run in the districts of Al-Rawdah and Jardan, benefitting around 26,500 inhabitants. 76 infrastructure projects, for an aggregated budget of 1.7million US dollars, include constructing and rehabilitating spate irrigation systems, and improving land erosion control. Capacity building, veterinary and agriculture projects in 36 villages, for an aggregated budget of 0.43 million US dollars, comprise surveys, vaccination of cattle, training of farmers, introduction of new cultures.

Speaking on the occasion, Yemen LNG General Manager, François Rafin, stated: “We launch today the third phase of projects with the French Red Cross and with Triangle Generation Humanitaire. Our joint projects started several years ago and they delivered tangible results which contributed to change the life of the people”

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Governor of Shabwa Dr. Ali Al-Ahmadi, the representative of the Ministry of Oil and Minerals and representatives of the Yemen Red Crescent Society, the French Red Cross, Shabwa Agriculture Office, Shabwa Rural Water Authority, and the local communities.