Countries of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) underlined the importance of the initiatives that aim to promote cooperation as well as scientific and technical exchange, between the countries of the world, in the field of water and the provision of water technologies to developing countries, without restrictions and at preferential prices, as they are linked to the basics of life.

This came in a statement delivered by Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Muhammad bin Awad Al Hassanon behalf of the GCC countries, during his participation in the discussions of the United Nations Conference on the Future of Water in the World.

Despite the difficult environmental and climatic conditions that the Gulf region suffers from, and the fact that it is among the most arid and water-stressed regions of the world, the achievements it is making to provide water in a sustainable manner that meets the needs of current and subsequent generations, and keeps pace with steady population growth, rapid urbanization and comprehensive development is a source of pride and an evidence of the attention that the governments of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries attach to providing the basics for a dignified and safe life for their citizens, the statement said.

The statement also pointed out that 40 percent of the production of potable water a swell as that for agricultural and industrial use is done in desalination plants located in the GCC countries, which confirms that the GCC countries have been able to achieve 100 percent of the sustainable development goal related to the access of all residents to drinking water and sanitation services.

The statement, further, touched on several initiatives established by the GCC countries to enhance environmental systems; meet the growing demand for water; achieve efficient water supply, efficient use and recycling; reduce leakage rates in water networks and increase community awareness of the importance of water, such as the water strategy of the GCC countries and the project of the feasibility study of the Gulf water interconnection network.

The GCC states called on the governments of states and the private sector to invest in the water sector in a way that enhances the national capabilities of countries, especially in the field of technical and vocational training; operation and maintenance; rehabilitation of stations; manufacturing of spare parts and qualifying national manpower to preserve groundwater resources and strategic reserves and reuse treated wastewater as part of comprehensive water resource management plans.

Source: Qatar News Agency