Cash transfer project kick-off – USAID press release/Non-UN document

OPT: Cash transfer project kick-off

Jabaliya – The Palestinian Authority today kicked off the first infrastructure projects funded through the $50 million cash transfer funded by the U.S. Government: the construction of Al Bahar Street in Jabaliya.

Al Bahar Street rehabilitation has been considered as one of the top priority projects in Jabaliya. The new road will eliminate traffic jams and address chronic environmental problems. Al Bahar connects Northern governorate towns with Gaza City.

The ground-breaking ceremony to mark the occasion was attended by Jabaliya Mayor Khalil Samara. The Ministries of Finance and Local Government were also represented, as was the American donor group, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

This project, valued at $2,241,034, provides better accessibility for people and transportation means, through the rehabilitation of the main road of the area. The work includes paving two lanes, installation of sidewalks and electrical light poles, and creation of drainage lines and tree basins. The new road establishes excellent conditions for improving the domestic markets and the local economy, well-lit and with sidewalks will furnish a higher level of personal safety, especially for children. Palestinian Construction Contractors Abu Shamala and Abu Dan will complete this project.

A second project funded under the Cash Transfer is the Development of Abu Bakker Al Saddeq Street in Nusierat. Abu Bakker Al Saddeq St. serves as the main boulevard in Al Nuseirat town, linking it with the two major streets in Gaza Strip; Salah El Din Street and Yasser Arafat Street. For more than four years now, the road has been representing the main access to the middle governorate inhabitants to reach Gaza City. Babil Lions Co for is the Palestinian Contractor which will undertake paving, lighting, sidewalks, and completion of the municipal sewage system.

Both projects, funded by the American people, begin immediately and bring numerous economic and environmental benefits to their communities. Total number of beneficiaries for both projects is expected to reach about 240,000 persons.

This is the third time USAID has provided direct budget support to the Palestinian Authority (PA). U.S. President George Bush announced the $50.0 million cash support last May when Mahmoud Abbas, President of the PA, visited Washington. The grant agreement, which was signed last August between USAID and the PA Ministry of Finance, allows the PA to implement hundreds of urgently needed infrastructure and housing repair projects all over Gaza.

USAID has spent more than $1.7 billion in the West Bank and Gaza to combat poverty, create jobs, improve education, build water systems, construct and equip medical clinics, and promote good governance. The American people have supported the Road Rehabilitation program since July 2004.