Due to a dry and arid climate, Mauritania, and particularly the capital of Nouakchott, has historically suffered from water shortages. The drinking water needs of more than 100,000 cubic meters per day were no longer being covered by the local Traza water table, the capital's only available water source. The introduction of the Bank's Aftout Essahli Drinking Water Supply Project set out to resolve this issue. The objective of the project was to increase daily water production to 170,000 meters3 daily by 2020 and 226,000 meters3 daily by 2030. The project also aims to supply drinking water to the rural population in the regions surrounding the Aftout Essahli water main. Before, communities would collect water from specific distribution points and street fountains. Recycling water from the Senegal River, and transporting it to Nouakchott, the project has significantly improved the population's living conditions and health.