PROJECT

Projects

Environmental Review Summary

Project Number

11217

Company Name

AL-AHLIA MINERAL WATER COMPANY

Date ERS Disclosed

Jan 28, 2002

Country

Yemen, Republic of

Region

Middle East

Environmental Category

B - Limited

Status

Completed

Previous Events

Approved : Apr 5, 2002
Signed : Dec 30, 2002
Invested : Jun 19, 2003

Sector

Soft Drink

Industry

other

Department

Regional Industry MAS MCT

Project Description

The US$4.4 million project is to modernize and upgrade the existing facilities of Al-Ahlia Mineral Water Company (AMWC), a mineral water bottling plant, by installing a PET bottling line including a PET and polyethylene (PE) bag packing facilities. The existing plant (including its underground aquifer sourced water) was in test trial operations for four months since its purchase in 1998, but was shut down because it used PVC technology. The new project will replace it with PET. The venture''s aim is to achieve a 20-25% share of Yemen''s 100 million liters market by providing a full product size. Distribution will cover the capital of Sana''a, the cities of Aden, Hodeidah, Ibb, Taiz and their surrounding areas. The plant will produce naturally sourced water in 750 ml. and 1.5L. PET bottles including 500 ml. size PE bags. The proposed water bottling project will promote local enterprise in the bottled water sector and increase the supply of safe drinking water. The project would create approximately 100 new jobs, stimulate competition, and introduce healthier PET bottles. IFC''s role in the proposed project involves: (i) providing long-term foreign currency financing which is currently not available from local banks; and (ii) encouraging the development of competitive local manufacturers. IFC''s participation in this investment would create a demonstration effect as an international standard venture that would produce mineral water of high quality and promote sound and modern business practices.

Environmental and Social

Conclusion & Monitoring