A NETWORK OF CHALLENGES
60%
In 2014, local officials estimated they lost 60 per cent of pumped water through gaps in the network due to damage caused by the conflict as well as aging infrastructure.
Damage to water, water-treatment and electrical infrastructure is widespread.
There is a risk of severe health consequences due to damage to waste-water treatment facilities.
Repairs proceed slowly due to the need to guarantee safety of workers through negotiations with armed actors.
Maintenance and rehabilitation of essential infrastructure proceed slowly due to the lack of safe access for humanitarian workers, service provider technicians and contractors..
WHAT WE ARE DOING ABOUT IT
15 million
The number people who benefited in 2014 from improved water supplies and sanitation due to large-scale ICRC emergency support in cooperation with local water boards. This work has been facilitated by various parties including the Ministry of Water Resources as well as the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.6.3 million
The approximate number of people able to once again have access to clean water following repairs to damaged infrastructure.370,000
Number of people who have been displaced within Syria that have received water via deliveries by water truck.160,000
Number of displaced people who have benefited from upgraded and rehabilitated hosting centres, as well as water and sanitation facilities.170,000
Number of displaced people who have been provided with bottled water.
The ICRC also helped bring even more potable water to people living in cities and towns where water supply systems were functioning, but which needed repairs, spare parts, water-treatment chemicals or other supplies needed to operate water treatment plants.
All these efforts were possible by working in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent staff and volunteers.
Syria
Bringing water to the displaced
Since the onset of the conflict four years ago in Syria, the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) have been able to reach millions of people across the country. Through this partnership the ICRC provided the SARC with material, technical, logistical, financial and other support to enable it to respond to the growing needs of people suffering the effects of the fighting. ICRC water engineers and SARC volunteers explain in this film how this partnership evolved during the last four years.