A groundbreaking visit to Niamey’s third water treatment plant

A high-level delegation, including the National Coordinator of the Integrated Platform for Water Security in Niger (PISEN), Mr. Zibo Zakara, the World Bank Project Manager, Mr. Mohamed Nanzoul, and officials from Niger’s Water Patrimony Society (SPEN), inspected the construction sites of Niamey’s third water treatment and production plant on June 2, 2026. The visit covered critical sites: the water intake point, the plant itself, and the reservoir installation area.

Expanding Niamey’s water infrastructure

In 2017, SPEN adopted an urban and semi-urban water management master plan, which includes the construction of this third water treatment facility. Once completed, the plant will have a total capacity of 250,000 cubic meters of water per day, rolled out in three phases: an initial phase of 100,000 m³/day, followed by two phases of 75,000 m³/day each. The project aims to enhance access to potable water in Niamey’s urban and peripheral zones. PISEN oversees the coordination, with support from the World Bank, while SPEN serves as the lead contractor.

Key milestones and future impact

Technical teams confirmed that raw water will be channeled to the treatment plant under construction on the plateau. From there, water will be distributed to two 2,500 m³ reservoirs at Yawari Plateau, ensuring supply to peripheral neighborhoods. The first phase—100,000 m³/day—will secure Niamey’s water supply until 2035, according to PISEN’s National Coordinator. The project includes 10 distinct work packages, with potential expansions for the river water treatment facility.

Mr. Zibo Zakara acknowledged delays in earlier phases but noted significant progress in recent months. Excavation work is underway in sections six and seven, with heavy machinery mobilized and local labor employed through subcontracting. “The project has truly taken off,” he stated, highlighting the economic ripple effects on local communities.

World Bank Project Manager Mr. Mohamed Nanzoul praised the project’s momentum and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting Niger’s efforts for the benefit of its people.

The Construction Project Manager, Mr. Haladou Laouali Amani, reported that site mobilization, data collection, topographic surveys, and geotechnical studies are complete. Upon completion, the plant will introduce 45,000 new social water connections, marking a transformative step in Niamey’s potable water access.

Abdoulaye Mamane (ONEP)