His Last View Point Article [Archives:1999/23/Front Page]

These are the Last Words written by the deceased. The article is about water, which is yet another topic that reflects his aim of helping the people of Yemen. Until the last moment of his life, he wrote for the people and only for the people. May God have mercy on his soul…
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WATER … Please Some WATER!
At best, rainfall in Yemen is erratic. The population lives in a precarious state given the acute shortage in the water supply, even though actual per capita consumption – 120 liters, averages about 12% of the average per capita consumption at the world level. 
This year, the problem is further complicated by lack of rainfall. The rains have not come! The impact of this fact is enormous. Consider the following: 
1. Agricultural Output 
The impact on agricultural output is direct and immediate. This yeas harvest will be a record low, even when compared to some bad years in the past. 
2. Income of the Poor: 
The farmers of this country are among the poor of our society. Therefore, the fall in agricultural output will affect a low-income group negatively. 
3. Balance of Trade: 
As a result of the fall in agricultural output, the expected level of import of food and other agricultural products will rise. Our agricultural exports will also fall. 
4. Price Level: 
Given tight supplsies, prices will rise. They will initially rise for food and agricultural products, but will later extend to most sectors, thus leading to a visible increase in the cost of living. But the impact of scarce rains will also impact the replenishment of underground water reservoirs, thus affected the drinking water network. Most Yemeni cities are already unable to find water for their residents. Taiz is a famous case. Sanaa is also in trouble. Sa’adah has similar problems. Most urban centers, growing madly at unprecedented rates – because of a rural-to-urban migration and very high population growth rates, face major challenges in many aspects of life, including water supply. 
Water is a precious resource in Yemen. Many studies and seminars have been carried out to explain the gravity of our situation and the need for a future-oriented vision regarding water management. 
A law draft was proposed to parliament two years ago, but has yet to be enacted. 
Irresponsible drilling/pumping is making the situation even worse. 
We have to attend to this matter now.
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