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access
to
water
and
sanitation
for
all
The development arm of the UAE Government with a focus
on infrastructure – the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development
(ADFD) – is the main supporter of large-scale water infra-
structure projects in partner countries. Since the formation
of the nation in 1971, ADFD has been helping develop-
ing countries to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable
socio-economic growth through the provision of financial
assistance in the forms of concessional and non-concessional
loans, and management of government grants and equities.
As of December 2016, ADFD has financed 488 projects in
83 countries. The Fund’s investments serve two main objec-
tives: to support countries in achieving social and economic
growth in key sectors, and encouraging private sector partici-
pation in accelerating economic development.
ADFD’s approach to working with other countries is
demand-driven and based on cultivating partnerships where
the partner countries take the lead in the implementation of
their development agenda. The Fund targets public sector
projects and works with government institutions within the
partner country to support the achievement of their develop-
ment needs and priorities. Therefore, projects supported by the
Fund are part of the partner country’s development goals and
are linked to key sectors outlined in their development plan.
While respecting the development levels and needs of
each partner country, project proposals are evaluated based
on the extent to which they are economically, technically,
socially, and environmentally sound and will have a long-
term sustainable impact. Development results are aligned
to partner country-led planning mechanisms that define
their approach to development, priorities, and expectations
of achievement. Assistance provided by ADFD is untied,
providing partner countries the freedom to procure goods
and services as they see fit. To support formulating sector
policies and allocation of required resources, public sector
loans are subject to review and approval by parliaments of
partner countries, and ratified by their legal authorities.
To ensure accountability, partner countries are required to
monitor projects and submit progress reports. Progress is
also discussed during field missions as well as when new
projects are submitted for review and approval. Evaluations
are completed by a third party for selected projects and
lessons are drawn and shared with relevant stakeholders.
As part of a five year grant announced in 2013, the UAE
is providing US$1.25 billion to support projects proposed
by the Government of Morocco in transport, health, educa-
tion, energy, and water.
2
The grant is managed by ADFD,
which has a long-standing relationship with the Kingdom of
Morocco dating back to 1974 that is based on a common goal
of achieving sustainable development across all economic
sectors. Approximately US$202 million – 16% of the total
grant – has been allocated to support seven key projects in
the water sector across Morocco, including three desalina-
tion projects and four dam projects.
As with all countries, water is an important resource and
has major implications for the socio-economic development
of Morocco. The Kingdom is a water-scarce country with a
semi-arid climate and is facing extreme climatic events such
as drought and flooding due to climate change. Its dwin-
dling water resources, coupled with rising demand, has led
to the overuse of water resources, placing pressure on the
country’s aquifers. To address these challenges, under the
2010–2030 National Water Strategy, the government has
planned several major initiatives to achieve an integrated
water management system to secure water and ensure access
Dakhla station, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water
Image: MoFAIC UAE