The French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union have mobilised funding for work on the Douda wastewater treatment plant and for the rehabilitation and construction of collective sewerage networks in five neighbourhoods in the commune of Boulaos. The primary beneficiary of this funding is the Republic of Djibouti, represented by the Ministry of Finance. The final beneficiary, owner and operator of the infrastructure financed, is the Djibouti National Water and Sanitation Office (ONEAD).

The first phase of the PERRAD project, co-financed with €20.2 million by AFD and the European Union since 2019, doubled the treatment capacity of the Douda wastewater treatment plant. The second phase of the project, also co-financed by AFD and the European Union, aims to rehabilitate and build collective sanitation networks in neighbourhoods 5, 6, 7, 7-bis and Cité Stade. The collected wastewater will be transferred and treated in the new wastewater treatment plant in Douda. About twenty kilometers of networks will be laid, and several kilometers of existing networks will be curated. The total budget for the works on the sewerage networks in the 5 neighbourhoods is EUR 40 million. This project will enable nearly 30 000 people to access the collective sanitation service, thus improving living conditions, especially for women, and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases (malaria, typhoid, etc.).

The management of water resources is an issue for the entire Djiboutian territory, located in a desert zone. For several years, State action has led to a significant increase in the volume of drinking water distributed, in particular thanks to the desalination plant in Doraleh, financed by the European Union. This increase naturally leads to more water use by households. The volumes of waste water are logically multiplied. In addition, the poor management of wastewater and stormwater linked to the widespread use of septic tanks, coupled with the problems of rising aquifers and illegal sanitation connections on pipes dedicated to rainwater, now exposes the population to health risks. This project will reduce the vulnerability of local populations to these risks, exacerbated by climate change. 
France and the European Union reaffirm their commitment to the Republic of Djibouti to work together to reduce health risks and enable access to essential public services for all.

Quote:  
“The European Union remains a reliable and credible partner of the Djiboutian authorities committed to strengthening access to basic social services for the population and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” H.E. Dr Denisa-Elena IONETE, Ambassador of the European Union to Djibouti