Impressive Large-Scale Water Work
95,000 people in some of the most war-torn areas of Aleppo, Syria, now have access to clean water thanks to Norwegian Church Aid. In addition, thousands have finally seen an end to sewage problems that used to flood homes and streets.
Constant clashes between various armed groups make life for Syrians in and around Aleppo extremely challenging. In addition to insecurity and instability, there is widespread destruction, old water pipes, and severe sewage issues both inside homes and in the streets.
Håvard Hovdhaugen, Country Director for Lebanon and Syria, recently visited the field to see our projects in this part of Syria, which has faced major challenges since the civil war began.
“People here live deeply affected by the trauma of war, with daily uncertainty, yet they welcome us with warm smiles and hope,” he says.
Years of Struggle
The roughly five-hour drive from Damascus took him through sand dunes, mountains, destroyed villages, buildings, and roads. The scars of the civil war are everywhere, and the need for reconstruction is immense.
“We are in an area called As Safira, where water scarcity is severe. Many homes have such poor sewage systems that wastewater floods the floors sometimes in houses where 10–12 people live under one roof,” he explains.
Here, Norwegian Church Aid has rehabilitated 7.5 kilometers of water pipes.
“For many families, access to safe drinking water has been a struggle for years. Now we are changing that. We are nearing completion of a major project that will give over 95,000 people access to clean water. This is not just about water from a tap it’s about health, dignity, and the chance to build a life with security.”
In As Safira, our team works tirelessly alongside local contractors to finish the project. They replace old, rusty pipes and install new connections to ensure a stable water supply. When completed, we will have rehabilitated and upgraded 7,500 meters of water pipelines.
“What struck me most was how fundamental and life-saving clean water is and how vulnerable it becomes when infrastructure fails.”
A Lasting Impression
Hovdhaugen met several people who had received both clean water from their taps and had their sewage pipes in their homes repaired. Two of them were Ramadan Karbuz and Joumaa Alyassouf, who explained that he regularly experienced clogged drains and sewage flooding into both his house and garden.
“Every week I had blocked drains. I had to get professional help to clear the pipes, and on top of that, I had to raise the toilet so that all the sewage wouldn’t spill throughout the house,” Alyassouf said.
Meanwhile, Karbuz now has running water in his home.
“For us, it is so important to have access to clean drinking water in the house,” he said.
Norwegian Church Aid has upgraded the sewage system for 6,000 people in As Safira town.
“For me, this is impressive water work on a large scale. I spoke with those benefiting from our efforts, and they explained how much this means. Families now have access to clean water and proper sanitation for years to come. It’s deeply moving to see firsthand the changes we bring to people’s lives. We are now looking at how to start similar projects in other parts of the country,” Hovdhaugen concludes.
