USAID repairs damaged water networks in Gaza – USAID press release/Non-UN document

USAID repairs damaged water networks in Gaza

GAZA – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched an emergency assistance program to repair damaged water pipelines and sanitation services in the West Bank and Gaza. USAID's $12 million Emergency Water and Sanitation program, which is implemented by the American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), aims to restore the availability of water and sewage services for thousands of Palestinians currently without them.

During the month of August, repair work started in four Gazan villages.

On August 3, ANERA began rebuilding the recently damaged water system of Wadi As- Salqa. During the first three weeks, 2300 meters of water pipes were installed and 43 new water tanks distributed to private homes. The American assistance will help to reconnect the water supply for the 5000 residents of Wadi as Salqa at the cost of $50,700.

In al Mughazi refugee camp, where the water and sewage services were badly disrupted, USAID is funding a $43,650 repair project. By August 20, 1100 meters of water pipelines were installed to replace the damaged network and 44 households received new water tanks. When completed, the project will improve the daily lives of 7000 Palestinians.

In Abasan Al-Kabira, the renovation of its broken water network and installation of 14 water tanks were completed by August 19. In addition, 12,000 people in Beit Lahia will soon receive piped-in drinking water and a cleaner environment as a result of a $130,500 extensive overhaul of its water and sewage system.

USAID's Emergency Water and Sanitation program is part of the U.S. Government's $320 million assistance package to the Palestinians focusing on health care, nutrition, education, judicial reform, and private enterprise.