Sudan Proposes UN Water Support for Most Needy States

Khartoum – Sudanhorizon

The Sudanese Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Mohamed Nour Abdel-Daim, has briefed officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Thursday, on the government’s efforts to alleviate the cost of living for citizens returning to the capital. He called for UN support to be focused on the water and education sectors.

During the meeting held Thursday in Khartoum, the minister discussed the government’s commitment to covering water fees and providing comprehensive tax and customs exemptions on all solar energy equipment.

The meeting with the UNDP explored mechanisms for providing technical support for the implementation of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF). The aim is to attract funding for reconstruction and development from local and international sources, across both the public and private sectors, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance’s media office.

The statement added that the meeting also addressed the current economic situation and ways to provide technical assistance in public finance reform and support for basic services in war-affected areas.

The Minister of State emphasized that the water sector is a top priority given the severe suffering endured by citizens in Khartoum State and neighboring states. He proposed directing field support specifically to the most affected states, focusing on the education and water sectors, noting that the health sector receives independent support from the government and international organizations.

For his part, the UNDP Country Director, Luca Renda, welcomed cooperation with the government, proposing the immediate organization of a specialized technical meeting bringing together national staff and UN experts.

He confirmed that the technical team has made significant progress in modeling the overall balance (CGE) and training staff, indicating that the organization is nearing completion of the “Socio-Economic Impact Assessment” in the coming period. He added that the program is ready to provide technical support for mobilizing local resources through a number of initiatives.

In turn, the organization’s financial policy expert, Manal Al-Aseer, stressed the importance of focusing on urgent measures with a rapid impact. She revealed that an intensive work schedule has been developed to create a roadmap for reforms and to coordinate attendance at the upcoming gender-responsive budgeting workshop.

The meeting also addressed the review of previous programs, the follow-up of the government procurement management program, and the preparation of the “citizen’s budget,” in addition to clarifying the United Nations’ position of providing technical and advisory support directed to social protection programs and safety nets in war-affected areas instead of direct financial support for consumption costs.

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