A high-level delegation, including the National Coordinator of Niger’s Integrated Water Security Platform (PISEN), Mr. Zibo Zakara, alongside the World Bank’s Project Manager, Mr. Mohamed Nanzoul, and representatives from Niger’s Water Asset Management Company (SPEN), conducted an on-site inspection on June 2, 2026. The visit covered key construction sites for the third drinking water treatment and production plant in Niamey, including the water intake facility, the treatment plant itself, and the future reservoir locations.
SPEN adopted an urban and semi-urban water infrastructure master plan in 2017, which outlined the construction of a new potable water treatment facility in Niamey. This plant, designed to deliver 250,000 cubic meters of clean water daily, will be implemented in three phases: an initial 100,000 m³/day capacity, followed by two additional phases of 75,000 m³/day each. The project’s primary goal is to expand access to safe drinking water in Niamey’s urban and peripheral neighborhoods. The PISEN oversees project coordination, with the World Bank providing financial and technical support, while SPEN serves as the lead contractor.
The raw water intake system, currently under development, will channel untreated water to a processing facility on the Yawari plateau. Two 2,500 m³ reservoirs are planned for this site to ensure steady water distribution to outlying districts of Niamey once operational.
Mr. Zibo Zakara emphasized that the project’s first phase—delivering 100,000 m³/day—will secure Niamey’s water supply until 2035. He noted the initiative consists of ten distinct work packages, with provisions for future expansions at the river-based treatment plant. While acknowledging earlier delays, he confirmed significant progress in recent months, particularly at the water intake and Yawari plateau sites, where excavation and workforce mobilization are in full swing.
« The project has truly gained momentum, » he stated. « Work on Lots 6 and 7 is progressing rapidly, with heavy machinery in operation and substantial local employment through subcontracting and direct hiring. These efforts are already benefiting local communities. »
Mr. Mohamed Nanzoul, the World Bank’s Project Manager, praised the construction team’s progress, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to supporting Niger’s government in improving public welfare through sustainable water infrastructure.
Project Manager Mr. Haladou Laouali Amani highlighted that all preparatory stages—including site mobilization, topographic surveys, and geotechnical studies—are complete. Upon completion, the new plant will revolutionize potable water access in Niamey, with an estimated 45,000 social connections planned to serve households directly.
Abdoulaye Mamane, ONEP