Projects to supply potable water to rural areas in Kerman Province were inaugurated at the weekend in the presence of the energy minister.
Eight water supply units, built at a cost of $2.2 million, will supply fresh water to 11,200 people in 56 villages in Jiroft and Anbarabad counties, ILNA reported.
Other projects, costing $1.5 million, in 45 villages in the southeastern province supply potable water to 13,500 people.
Over 120 water projects are underway in the central and dry province, and are expected to come on stream next year.
“In the past six years, around six million people in rural areas have been supplied with clean water,” Reza Ardakanian said.
The energy minister said at present, 75% of the rural population (close to 20,000 villages), have access to fresh water.
Located in the dry and arid regions with below minimum precipitation, Kerman, like many other provinces, has been struggling with drought for years.
Unprecedented decline in precipitation during the past year caused a steep decline in water stored in dams. The Last water year was one of the driest in half a century because of rainfall deficit of 45%.
To help alleviate the water crisis in Kerman, transferring water from the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman has been suggested. Although no measures have been taken so far, it is considered as the last resort.
Latest projections show that the province will face a worsening water crisis in the next three years if timely and effective solutions are not found.
