White Helmets Launch Project to Expand Sewage Network in North Aleppo's Hwar Al-Nahr

Infrastructure and sanitation projects yield long-term benefits by ensuring access to clean water and sanitation services, thereby enhancing public health and reducing the spread of waterborne diseases.

The White Helmets have initiated a project aimed at expanding the sanitary sewage network in the village of Hawar al-Nahr, located near the city of Mare' in northern Aleppo countryside as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and bolster the resilience of communities in northwestern Syria.

Much like many other villages and towns in northwestern Syria, Hawar al-Nahr has faced numerous challenges. One of the most pressing issues has been the absence of comprehensive sewage infrastructure coverage across the entire village. This deficiency has resulted in unsanitary conditions and an ongoing risk of waterborne diseases. Due to the lack of an adequate sewage network, residents have had to resort to temporary solutions, such as digging open channels, which carry significant health hazards and contribute to environmental pollution.

Implementation Responsibility:

The White Helmets are fully responsible for the complete execution of the network construction, overseen by a specialized engineering team from the Service Projects Office within The White Helmets.

Project Phases:

The project involves the construction of a network with a total length of 2100 meters, connecting it to the main sewage outlet of the village. After the necessary excavations to extend the pipelines, a 10 cm thick layer of sand will be placed below the pipelines and a 20 cm thick layer above them, with the sides around the pipelines filled in. Gravel will be spread on top of the sand layer. The main pipelines will be made of Polyethylene material with a diameter of 300 mm SN8, while the sub-pipelines will have a diameter of 200 mm SN8. Reinforced concrete work will be conducted for service hole excavations (manholes) along with their covers.

The Significance of the Sanitation Network Project:

1. Addressing Sanitation Challenges:

The primary objective of expanding the sanitation network in Al-Hawar village is to resolve persistent sanitation issues. This initiative ensures the safe disposal of wastewater. By extending and covering the entire village, it significantly reduces the risk of pollution, thereby guaranteeing the safety and cleanliness of the water supply.

2. Mitigating the Spread of Waterborne Diseases:

The absence of an adequate sanitation network creates fertile ground for epidemics and diseases. Contaminated water sources become potential sources of infection, leading to the proliferation of diseases like cholera and other waterborne illnesses. By addressing the sanitation problem, the project will substantially reduce the risk of epidemics and their devastating consequences on the community. Proper wastewater management is essential for preserving public health and preventing the propagation of waterborne diseases.

3. Alleviating the Healthcare Burden:

The functionality of the sanitation network directly impacts the healthcare systems in the region. Combating waterborne diseases alleviates the strain on local healthcare facilities, allowing for a more efficient allocation of medical resources. This not only enhances access to healthcare for the community but also enables healthcare professionals to focus on delivering essential services rather than dealing with preventable diseases.

4. Fostering Stability:

Access to adequate sanitation services represents a fundamental human right. Enhanced sanitation facilities play a pivotal role in providing a healthier, safer, and more dignified life for the local population. They also reduce vulnerabilities, enabling individuals and families to recover and rebuild their lives with greater efficiency.

Following the devastating earthquake on February 6th, The White Helmets embarked on a substantial project to extend drinking water and sanitation networks in the Kafr Karmin — Al-Kamunah camp clusters in western Aleppo's countryside. This project stands as a significant milestone within the organization's endeavors to revitalize the region's infrastructure in northwestern Syria. It serves approximately 7,000 households by extending clean water networks over a distance of roughly 50,000 meters and sewage networks spanning approximately 90,000 meters.

Our teams also undertook the development of a 1,650-meter sewage network along the Sarmada - Al-Bardakhli road in northern Idlib. This network caters to the sanitation needs of over 6,000 civilians. Furthermore, sewage networks were expanded to accommodate a newly established hospital in the town of Bansh in eastern Idlib.

The White Helmets are intensifying its efforts in infrastructure projects at various levels across northwestern Syria. These projects encompass the expansion of sewage networks, the rehabilitation of roadways, the renovation of educational institutions and medical facilities, and the reconstruction of schools and mosques, among other initiatives. These endeavors reflect the organization's commitment to ensuring suitable infrastructure to address the growing needs of civilians in the face of disasters, the ongoing war, and the involvement of external actors. They also aim to enhance living conditions and alleviate the hardships faced by civilians through maximal efforts within the organization's dedicated recovery programs.