The United Nations Integrated Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (Minusma), a peacekeeping mission created by the UN Security Council to help stabilize key population centers and support the re-establishment of state authority throughout Mali, and to develop and implement programs for the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants such as militias and self-defense groups, has launched a new project to improve access to drinking water in Kidal region.
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The project involves the construction of a water retention dam in the locality of Iklahine, for a period of six months. It involves local labor through some thirty farmers from Kidal, and its cost amounts to around 91,469 euros.
The second project of its kind in the region by the mission
This project is the second of its kind to be launched by Minusma in the Kidal region within the space of two years. It comes following the water drilling project that the mission carried out in the same region in 2018.
Insanatane Ag Rousmane, from the Security Sector Reform and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section (SSR/DDR) of the Minusma explained that it is their concern to finance these projects so as to improve the conditions of access to water for the population and livestock while reducing community conflicts related to water and grazing.
This program is also supported by the United Kingdom through the United Nations Trust Fund for Peace and Security in Mali.
Kidal climate
The Kidal region climate is characterized by temperatures that can reach up to 45°C during the day and scarce and low rainfall.
In order to capture groundwater in this region, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Kidal, it is sometimes necessary to dig wells up to 70 meters deep and boreholes up to 130 meters deep.
