Major water projects across the Middle East now face funding shortages after recent cuts by the United States and other donors. US lawmakers approved a US$ 8 billion package of foreign assistance cuts last month, after the US closed USAID and announced mass layoffs. The UK will reduce its aid from 0.5 to 0.3 per cent of GNI from 2027.
Experts say cuts threaten plans for desalination, water reuse and better management. Some projects stopped, and countries are seeking other funds such as climate finance and regional development banks.
Difficult words
- funding — money for a project or activity
- cut — a reduction in money or helpcuts
- desalination — process to remove salt from seawater
- reuse — using something again for the same purpose
- layoff — when workers lose their jobslayoffs
- donor — person or group giving money or helpdonors
- management — the act of organizing and controlling resources
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could less money for water projects affect people in your area?
- Can you think of other places governments could look for funding besides those mentioned in the article?
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