Improving Living Conditions for Persons Affected by the Protracted Crisis Through Provision of Sustainable Shelter Solutions and WASH services in Taiz governorate’s area of Maqbanah (Pillars 1, 2 amp; 3) ltpgtTaiz governorate is continuing to experience one of the highest instances of violent conflict in Yemen, its population being affected strongly, accordingly. Despite Taiz having seen some degree of stabilization, also due to the impact of the UN-brokered truce, the conflict has left many IDPs living under catastrophic shelter conditions and thus in urgent need for provision of transitional shelter assistance.ltbrgtltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtThis, as well as the lack of adequate WASH service provision, is continuing to expose communities to various protection and health risks, increasing the urgent need for the proposed project to be implemented.lt/pgtltpgt  ltbrgtTo respond to the ongoing crisis, the proposed project will aim at providing safe and dignified living conditions for the most affected HHs in the district of Maqbanah. ltbrgtltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtTo achieve this, the project will target 4,480 most vulnerable HHs in Taiz's district of Maqbanah (30,100 individuals - 4300 HHs under WASH in Al-Ashmlah sub-district 2350 HHs Al-Brashah sub-district 1450 HHs and Al Qahifa sub-district 500 HHs and 180 HHs under shelter sector in 3 IDPs sites (Al Rwadha in  AL-Faqieqah sub-district: 60 HHs, Al-Sahat in  Al Afirah sub-district: 70HHs and Al-Regah Wadi Mothab in Hemiar sub-district: 50HHs)) with a series of activities related to Shelter and WASH including (i) transitional shelter assistance under pillar 2, (ii) rehab, maintenance and augmentation of existing water supply systems, (iii) the rehabilitation of water schemes and operational support and (iv) water quality surveillance.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtIn addition, the project will (v) construct water harvesting tanks as well as (vi) latrines construction (including rehabilitation and desludging). To complement these hard components, UN-Habitat will implement several soft activities including (vii) community-led cleaning campaigns and (viii) Distribution of Consumable and basic hygiene kits accompanied by hygiene awareness sessions as part of community mobilization. lt/pgtltpgtWhile centrality of protection is ensured throughout the project, UN-Habitat will provide specific protection services in the form of (ix) the legal counselling representation for HLP cases, based on the identified needs in the target area. lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtThis project was designed taking into consideration various parameters based on the different beneficiary groups with to cover their essential  WASH and Shelter needs including women, marginalized groups (Almuhamasheen), women-headed HHs, people with disabilities (PWD), and elderly people.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtUN-Habitat has the capacity, experience, and skilled staff to carry out humanitarian interventions. It is to highlight that carrying out the project with a strong sub-implementing partner has proven to be not only of operational benefit but also necessary to ensure access to targeted communities and decision-making stakeholders. Therefore, ARD (Assistance for Response and Development) has been identified as sub-implementing partner due to its strong presence, experience, and expertise in the targeted locations. ARD has proven to be a reliable partner in UN-Habitat’s country operations and has established relationships with local authorities, Executive Unit (ExU), and community leaders.lt/pgt