The European Union and UNICEF, in cooperation with Eni, launch a project to improve water quality to

[size=52]The European Union and UNICEF, in cooperation with Eni, launch a project to improve water quality to serve 850,000 people in Basra[/size]

[size=45]Basra - 7 February 2022 -  The European Union and UNICEF, in cooperation with Eni, today launched a project in Basra Governorate, aiming to improve water quality for 850,000 people in the city of Basra, including 160,000 children as direct beneficiaries of the project. The launch ceremony was attended by the Governor of Basra, His Excellency Dr. Asaad Al-Eidani, Ms. Barbara Egger, Director of Cooperation in the European Union Delegation in Iraq, Ms. Paola Polancia, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Iraq, and Mr. Alberto Piatti, Head of Sustainable Development at Eni, and Mr. Walid Al-Mahdi, CEO of Eni's branch in Iraq, and other officials.[/size]
[size=45]On this occasion, Ms. Paula Polancia, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Iraq, said: “UNICEF continues its work in Iraq to support a climate-resilient environment, ensure access to safe drinking water, and empower youth to be agents of change through their civic engagement. This project, carried out jointly with the European Union, and in cooperation with Eni, will ensure the equitable provision of sustainable and safe drinking water for vulnerable groups of the population, and support the creation of sustainable green job opportunities for youth in the city of Basra.”[/size]
[size=45]Ms. Barbara Egger, Director of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation in Iraq, emphasized: “We are proud to continue this important joint project with UNICEF, as well as to continue our strong engagement with the European Union in Iraq, and in southern Iraq in particular, particularly in Basra. . One of our priorities is to contribute to improving the quality of life for Basrain, and to enhance the capacity of the water sector to provide safe and equitable water in a fair and sustainable manner, in close cooperation with the Basra authorities. By adopting an intensive employment approach, we will contribute to creating decent green jobs for the youth of Basra, and build strong alliances to advance the climate change agenda in Iraq, in cooperation with Eni.”[/size]
[size=45]For his part, Mr. Alberto Piatti, Head of Sustainable Development at Eni, said: “This partnership is an example of how public-private alliances can create added value for local development and contribute to improving people's living conditions. Eni will provide water treatment plants in Al-Baradiya - with a production capacity of 400,000 liters per hour - under the auspices of the Ministry of Oil and the Basra Oil Company, and thanks to UNICEF and the European Union, we will be able to provide clean drinking water to the Basra community. Through our joint efforts, we will take a step towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”[/size]
[size=45]Climate change has a severe impact on the lives of children in Iraq, including the exacerbation of water scarcity and salinity, with all its serious repercussions on the country's future. Almost 3 out of every 5 Iraqi children do not have access to safe water services, and less than half of all schools in the country have access to basic water services .[/size]
[size=45]In response, thanks to this project, 350,000 people in two districts of Basra will have access to improved, climate-resilient water services. In addition, the capacity of 1,000 people in Basra city, especially the youth, will be improved to contribute to the provision of equitable services, and to promote intensive green growth in terms of employment.[/size]
[size=45]In order to implement the project, which will cost about $7 million over three years, UNICEF will work in close coordination with the local authorities in Basra, the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Public Municipalities in Baghdad, in partnership with the Basra Water Directorate and private consulting firms, and by strengthening the capacities of local contractors, NGOs, and operators to improve water service management and social inclusion.[/size]
[size=45]This project, launched by the European Union and UNICEF in cooperation with Eni, is a new step in the right direction, and is in line with joint engagement with the business sector, to guide progress towards the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals in Iraq and the world[/size]
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