Djibouti Showcases Water Infrastructure and Training Ambitions During French Delegation

Djibouti, April 8, 2026 - The National Water and Sanitation Office of Djibouti hosted a French delegation on Tuesday, including the ambassador of France and the Director General of the French Development Agency, for a visit focused on key water infrastructure and capacity-building projects.

The visit highlighted two flagship initiatives: the Douda wastewater treatment plant and ONEAD’s newly established training center, both central to Djibouti’s strategy for sustainable water management.

Commissioned in 2014, the Douda plant has become a cornerstone of the country’s wastewater treatment system. Initially designed to process 2,000 cubic meters per day-serving approximately 40,000 residents-the facility was expanded in 2025 to handle up to 3,300 cubic meters daily, effectively doubling its coverage to around 80,000 inhabitants. The plant integrates flows from eleven pumping stations, reflecting significant investment in network infrastructure.

Officials described the expansion as a tangible demonstration of ONEAD’s long-term planning and operational capacity in addressing growing urban water needs.

Alongside infrastructure development, ONEAD is investing in human capital through its new training center, aimed at strengthening technical expertise in the water sector. The facility is equipped with modern classrooms, digital tools, and collaborative workspaces designed to support both theoretical and practical instruction.

According to the Office, an ambitious training program has been set for the year, with 58 sessions planned and more than 1,000 employees expected to benefit. A certification process will assess both academic knowledge and field competencies.

The presence of the French delegation underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in advancing these projects. Officials highlighted the role of international partnerships in supporting Djibouti’s efforts to modernize essential public services and build long-term technical autonomy in water management.