URBAN WATER SECURITY INDEX ASSESSMENT FOR IBB CITY, YEMEN: COMPREHENSIVE VISION

Water security is a global concern due to climate change and the increasing impact of human activities on water resources. Several issues regarding water scarcity, safety, and administration have been raised in previous studies, which indicated several deficiencies in the sewage systems and water supply of Ibb city, Yemen. However, a comprehensive assessment of water security has not been carried out. Hence, this study aims to develop a framework for assessing the urban water of Ibb city. The study applies the new assessment framework and measures the urban water security index (UWSI) as a decision management tool by using the four dimensions of urban water security: drinking water, ecosystems, climate change and water-related hazards, and socio-economic aspects (DECS). The urban water security index (UWSI) assesses Ibb water security and intervention strategies. According to the study findings, urban water security in Ibb is insufficient to meet basic needs, with flaws in some aspects of the water security dimensions. The UWSI framework promotes rational and evidence-based decision-making, which is essential for improving water resource management in water-insecurity cities.