Qatar Successfully Attains SDG 6 Target for Universal Access to Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 6 Target for Universal Access to Clean Water and Sanitation

Qatar has proudly announced that it has met the benchmarks set by Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, focusing on water and sanitation accessibility, ensuring clean water and sanitation for all residents. Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President of Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), emphasized this achievement at the 15th Gulf Water Conference in Doha, themed "Water in GCC: Embracing Technological Progress."

Al Kuwari highlighted Qatar's utilization of cutting-edge international technologies, particularly in water desalination plants. He noted the integration of reverse osmosis technology, which currently contributes to approximately 30 percent of the country's desalinated water, significantly enhancing water use efficiency.

To address the escalating water demand amid Qatar's developmental surge, Al Kuwari underscored Kahramaa's commitment to maintaining a spare production capacity of at least ten percent. This strategic planning aligns with global energy efficiency standards, supporting Qatar's comprehensive growth under the visionary leadership of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Qatar's water resources in 2022 totaled around 1,155 million cubic meters, with desalinated seawater accounting for 56 percent, while the remainder was sourced from groundwater and treated wastewater. Al Kuwari stressed the importance of wastewater treatment, with 75 percent being optimally repurposed for irrigation, agriculture, and other purposes.

In line with Qatar's Water Security Policy and Water Strategy, which complement the Qatar National Vision 2030, Al Kuwari highlighted efforts towards integrated governance, smart infrastructure, sustainable ecosystem management, demand-side management, quality control, and innovation.

However, Qatar faces challenges typical of arid regions, such as dwindling freshwater reserves and the overuse of groundwater. Al Kuwari emphasized the necessity of expanding treated water sectors through advanced technologies and prioritizing water usage.

Eng. Abdelrahaman Mohamed Almahmoud, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Water Sciences and Technology Association (WSTA), emphasized the importance of embracing modern technologies to enhance the water sector's efficiency and sustainability. GCC countries, renowned for their advancements in seawater desalination, play a pivotal role in global water production.

The conference serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences to address water management challenges in the GCC region, including expanding non-traditional water resources, enhancing water conservation policies, improving water quality, and fostering innovation.

Overall, the collaborative efforts of organizations like Kahramaa, WSTA, and regional water authorities underscore the commitment to achieving water security and sustainability in the face of global challenges like climate change.

 

Source: The Peninsula Qatar