DAMASCUS WATER SUPPLY I

PROJECT COMPONENTS INCLUDE: 1. SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION OF 370 KM OF DUCTILE, CAST IRON WATER MAINS, FITTINGS AND CONNECTIONS; 2. CONSTRUCTION OF UNDERGROUND CUT OFF WALL (AQUIFER); 3. CONSTRUCTION OF A 15 KM TUNNEL FROM DAMASCUS TO RESERVOIRS; AND; 4. REPLACEMENT OF 160 KM OF EXISTING MAINS. ADDITIONALLY THE TRANSMISSION CAPACITY OF THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IS EXPANDED FROM 3 TO 5M/SEC. PROJECT IS PORTION OF A 3 PART PROGRAM FOR INCREASING AND MODERNIZING THE ENTIRE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN DAMASCUS. PROGRAM (EXCEPTING POLLUTION CONTROL STUDIES) CARRIED OUT BY FIGEH (DAMASCUS" WATER AUTHORITY). FIGEH MANAGED BY BOARD OF SEVEN DIRECTORS: MAYOR OF DAMASCUS, TECHNICA DIRECTORS OF MUNICIPALITIES; 4. REPRESENTATIVES FROM 3 OTHER MINISTRIES; WORKER"S REPRESENTATIVE AND GENERAL MANAGER OF FIGEH. PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES ARE THE MORE THAN 1 MILLION URBAN DWELLERS IN DAMASCUS WHO WILL RECEIVE WATER SAFE FROM PARASITES. SECONDARY BENEFICIARY WILL BE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN DAMASCUS WHO WILL RECEIVE INCREASED REVENUES. THE SARG FINANCES ALL LOCAL COSTS. THE EXPANDED WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WILL IMPROVE CITY AND HOME CLEANLINESS AND STANDARDS OF LIVING. THE GREATEST EFFECT WILL BE ON LARGE USERS OF WATER WHO WILL NOTICE THE INTRODUCTION OF PROGRESSIVE WATER RATES AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO USE LOW PRICED WATER OFFERED BY TANK TRUCK OF LOW PRICED WELL WATER FOR LAWNS, GARDENS AND CAR WASHING.