19 February 2013: The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Mauritania have signed various agreements that aim to contribute to poverty reduction through investments in the water sector. The grants, amounting to approximately €10 million, relate to the national integrated project in the water sector in rural areas (PNISER).

Located in the South-East region of the country, PNISER will benefit 34% of the total rural population of Mauritania. The grants will finance, inter alia: the installation of 120 latrines within infrastructures, such as markets, schools, and health centers; the construction of 50 new drills for drinking water, pastoral hydraulic, and small-scale irrigation; 22 new solar energy systems for the supply of drinking water; and other equipment aimed at improving agriculture and farming.

Apart from these infrastructure projects, the grants will support the development of a national strategy for the mobilization and integrated management of water for 2030. The strategy will aim to support the Government in its efforts to reform and improve water management, as well as contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

According to AfDB, Mauritania is one of the Sahel countries most affected by drought, desertification and climate change. The Government has included the water sector, agriculture, and farming as priorities in its development strategy. [AfDB Press Release (in French)]