UNOPS’ Post

#Yemen's ancient city, #Sana'a, boasts a vibrant history spanning over several millennia. However recently, lurking beneath its historic streets was a hidden threat – deteriorating asbestos sewage lines. It caused leakages of sewer, unpleasant odors, health hazards (cholera outbreaks) and limited proper sanitation for over half a million residents. Funded by the The World Bank, UNOPS embarked on a massive project under it #YIUSEP programme, constructing a new over 6 kilometers of sewage line using GRP pipes of 1.2 meters diameter each at Al-Sayla in old #Sana'a. This meant navigating through complex combination of challenges: - Occupational Health & Safety: Project being located in a densely populated old town of Sana'a, with running traffic across its vicinity.  - Protecting the Past: safeguarding the surrounding centuries-old buildings, where using traditional high-vibration tools posed a risk to the heritage. - Climate: The project area is the main pathway for the city's torrent stream and collapsed sewer system also served as a crucial drainage path during the rainy season. - Logistics: Importing giant GRP pipes (over 500 lengths in total, 1.2m diameter each) to project sites, in one of the most challenging operational contexts. Therefore, the project team tackled these challenges with innovativeness & close coordination: -  A local custom-built, low-vibration stone pavement cutting Saw, made from readily available materials. This innovative tool not only ensured the safety of these irreplaceable structures, but also safely navigated delicate surroundings efficiently and accurately; and received praise from the Stakeholders for the conservations of the historic structures. - To minimize weather disruptions, work was restricted to the dry seasons, in sections each of 100 to 300 meters long. An associated collaborative weather monitoring plan with the Meteorology Authority allowed for swift trench closure and demobilization (sometimes within a day) based on weather forecasts. This was achieved by utilizing special backfilling materials that facilitated rapid completion. - An adequate Logistics Planning and timely coordination with the relevant stakeholders enabled the successful delivery of 110, 40ft long Trailer trucks loaded with GRP pipes in 16 batches within a short period. So far this is the biggest logistics operation implemented by UNOPS in #Yemen. This project is a role model of collaboration, meticulous planning and dedicated work from the whole team. By respecting the past while embracing innovation, Sana'a sewage system is getting a much-needed upgrade, ensuring a healthier and sustainable solution for its residents, and contributing significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals. Muhammad Usman Akram