RIYADH: Saudi agencies have inaugurated a series of solar powered housing projects benefitting thousands of people living in Yemen, state news agency SPA reported. The scheme is part of the “Using Renewable Energy to Improve the Quality of Life in Yemen” project. The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), and the Sela Foundation for Development have inaugurated 133 housing lighting systems and 20 public utilities operational systems powered by solar energy in the governorates of Hadhramaut, Taiz and Hodeidah. The project contributes towards the electricity needs of health and educational facilities, operating medical equipment, and providing a suitable learning environment. It also includes the restoration of 12 drinking water wells, providing 35 agricultural irrigation systems powered by solar energy, providing energy to 20 educational and health facilities, and delivering renewable energy to 133 homes in five Yemeni governorates, benefitting more than 62,000 Yemenis. It also entails holding training courses for engineers on the use of solar energy systems. This project contributes significantly to solving certain problems, such as water shortages.