17.02.2023

Rehabilitation of the Fijeh and Barada drinking water supply systems in Syria

In January 2023, GAUFF Engineering was commissioned by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to develop a "diagnosis and feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the Fijeh & Barada water supply" in Syria.

The Fijeh and Barada springs are considered the most important sources of drinking water for 2.2 million people living in the two provinces of Damascus and Rif Dimashq (Damascus country). They cover about 80 percent of the water needs in Damascus and 15 percent of the needs in Rif Dimashq, which equates to a total of around 310 million cubic meters per year.

During the civil war, the Fijeh and Barada water systems were severely damaged between 2015 and 2017, leaving the Damascus Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DAWSSA) generally barely able to operate the dilapidated water infrastructures and to provide water to the population due to the ongoing conflict.

Therefore, GAUFF Engineering, on behalf of the ICRC, will prepare a diagnosis of the supply networks and design a comprehensive rehabilitation program in which short-, medium- and long-term measures will be identified, coordinated and analysed in terms of their respective risks. The proposed work program is intended to ensure the sustainable operation and reliable supply of drinking water to the population. In addition to preparing preliminary designs, specifications and bills of quantities for all identified rehabilitation works, GAUFF Engineering will also develop proposals for a training and further education concept for the operating staff.

In the long term, this should secure the drinking water supply for a large part of the population in Damascus and in Rif Dimaschq.