UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) has provided over 7.5 million people with clean drinking water by the end of 2016, its chairman said.
''Suqia has launched a number of projects and initiatives to provide clean drinking water to underprivileged countries around the world and has provided over 7.5 million people with clean drinking water by the end of 2016, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation. 
Beneficiary countries included Ghana, Uganda, Somalia, Tajikistan, Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal. Water wells have been drilled in Afghanistan, the Philippines, Benin, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Thailand and Burkina Faso during the first quarter of 2017. These projects will benefit 121,920 individuals," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia, ahead of the World Water Day 2017.
''On the occasion of World Water Day which falls on March 22 each year, Suqia, under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, renews its support and commitment to raising awareness among the community, about the importance of finding sustainable solutions to drought and water scarcity in underprivileged countries, while highlighting the role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development, he said.
''This reflects Suqia’s commitment to enhancing the UAE’s role in tackling current challenges facing humanity, and providing support and aid to the international community, in adherence with the 17 sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations (UN), to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,'' he said.
''We work on the directives of HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Suqia strives to achieve the objectives set by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, to combat poverty and disease, while building sustainable partnerships as per the best international practices,'' WAM reported.

Source: BNA