According to the Bank’s website, the Project Development Objective (PDO) is to restore bulk water and wastewater infrastructure in priority areas and enhance resilience to climate risks in Syria.

The proposed operation responds to the request from the Government of Syria to support emergency investments in addressing the multifaceted crisis facing the water sector following years of conflict, chronic underinvestment and the impacts of climate change. The proposed project is intended to support the immediate rehabilitation of critical water infrastructure and provide the foundations to inform medium- to long-term resilient recovery efforts. This first project focuses on emergency investments in restoring water services, rehabilitation of wastewater treatment plants, enhancing the resilience of water resources and supporting strategic studies aimed at providing the medium term foundations for enhancing resilience.

The proposed IDA grant will finance:
(i) water supply investments in select locations;
(ii) the rehabilitation of the Adra Treatment Plant in Damascus;
(iii) no regret equipment and supplies to sustain operations;
(iv) a national dam safety assessment;
(v) climate and Water Data and Information Systems and;
(vi) technical assistance to support preparation of strategic studies and investments, including transboundary waters, water governance and sector reforms, along with project implementation and capacity building.

The Environmental Risk is classified as Substantial. Given the project’s scope, rehabilitation of damaged water and wastewater assets and restoration of unfunctional infrastructure, the primary environmental risks are short-term and localized, arising during works. Typical rehabilitation-phase risks include handling and disposal of contaminated materials and residual sludge from existing facilities; the potential presence of hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos in older pipes); and temporary wastewater bypasses or overflows during plant/equipment outages that could lead to untreated or partially treated discharges. Community risks (noise, dust, vibration, traffic and access disruption), dewatering of excavations (with potential turbidity or contaminated groundwater management needs), and occupational health and safety hazards (confined space work, exposure to pathogens, heavy equipment, energized systems) are also expected. Operational environmental risks post-rehabilitation are tied to restoring compliant and reliable service rather than expanding impacts. Key risks include effluent quality non-compliance if treatment processes or O&M are inadequate; safe, sustainable sludge treatment, storage, transport, and final disposal/reuse; odor and air emissions (e.g., hydrogen sulfide) affecting nearby receptors; chemical storage and handling (e.g., chlorine) with spill/fire risks; and energy intensity of pumping and treatment, which influences greenhouse gas emissions where grids rely on fossil fuels. Community health and safety risks may arise from pipe breaks, overflows, or interruptions to service, and resilience issues (e.g., power instability) can compromise treatment performance.

The Social Risk is classified as High. The project includes both contextual and project-induced social risks. Key identified social risks and impacts at this stage include: (i) Labor and working conditions including occupational health and safety (OHS), fair access to jobs including for women and gender wage disparities, potential labor influx, and child labor. The post-conflict situation, including the return of refugees, could lead to a tense competition for available local jobs. The influx of labor, potentially including foreign workers, may lead to pressure on limited local services, and lead to potential tensions with local communities. (ii) Community health, safety and security: There are significant contextual risks associated with the ongoing conflict and insecurity. While the project itself will not cause significant risks related to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) / sexual harassment (SH), the prolonged conflict, displacement, prevailing insecurity, and economic crisis have heightened these risks, particularly affecting women and girls in the local communities. In addition, and due to many years of conflict, there is a general security risk for project workers, local communities and project assets. The use of Recipient’s security services or engaging security personnel during the rehabilitation works can pose certain risks to surrounding communities. (iii) Land impacts: The project involves rehabilitation of existing facilities, and no land acquisition is expected. However, there is a risk of the presence of informal land users and encroachers whose livelihoods and/or assets may be impacted, and rehabilitation works may cause land use restrictions. (iv) Stakeholder engagement, social inclusion and vulnerable groups: There are several vulnerable groups that may face inclusion challenges and require targeted engagement. These include women, girls, and female headed households, who may encounter safety and resource access issues; the elderly and people with disabilities, who may struggle with mobility and access to water and assets; and youth, who need skills development and employment opportunities. Low-income households could be affected by water disruptions during rehabilitation and affordability issues, while internally displaced persons and returnees may face challenges due to temporary residence. Ethnic and religious minorities might experience exclusion, and rural residents may have limited access to infrastructure. Migrant workers and war veterans are also recognized as needing support services.

Total Project Cost: US$ 150.00 million
IDA Grant: US$ 150.00 million

World Bank
Marcus J. Wishart - Lead Water Resources Management Specialist
Chris Fischer - Senior Water Specialist
Iyad Rammal - Senior Infrastructure Specialist

Borrower/Client/Recipient
Syrian Arab Republic, represented by the Ministry of Finance

Implementing Agencies
Ministry of Energy, Water Resources Directorate

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