Implementation

As one can see from UNEP’s and CMWU’s assessments of the Gaza Strip regarding the recent 08-09 military operations, both organizations agree on the list of damages and estimate costs (about 6 million USD) regarding water issues/damages in the region. In fact, page 34 of UNEP’s report mentions CMWU’s assessments.  Therefore, despite their shortcomings, both organizations are able to work together in assessing the damages caused by the recent escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip.  The actual implementation depends on the major actors’ ability to continue their efforts on the ground.

___________________________________________________

Funding

it is apparent from the “Major Actors” page that almost all organizations involved in the water crisis depend on funding connected to the World Bank.  The World Bank’s main project concerning the water issues in the Gaza Strip is called  Gaza Water and Sanitation Project which, in light of the recent military escalations, has received additional financing.  Click here to view details about the recent replenishing for the fund. The additional financing is done with cooperation with the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility .

As the United Nations Information System on the Question of Palestine web site points out, “World Bank finance of all tracks is crucial. In fact, World Bank funds through the ongoing projects like the Gaza Emergency Water Project and the Northern Gaza Emergency Sewage Treatment project are being mobilized to respond to the recovery plan needs. Additional financing will be needed and the donor community funds are needed to supplement the Bank financing.”

___________________________________________________

Plans and Recommendations 

CMWU’s report lists three major stages when it comes to implementation:

  • Fast Track
  • Intermediate Track
  • Long Term Track

The Fast Track plan deals with repairs conducted after the cease-fire.  Some of them have been completed, some are in the process of completion.  Click here to view specific areas in which the Fast Track plan has been implemented. This stage is concerned with the most heavily damaged areas (Northern area, Gaza city and Rafah).  Because the implementation’s timing is critical, it faced problems with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) concerning mobility in the area.  UNEP’s report also mentions of problems with the IDF when it comes to implementing humanitarian aid in the area.

The Intermediate Track  addresses “partially destruction of the water and waste water facilities by preparing project packages from the assessment damages data sheet for bidding as National Shopping,” while the Long Term Track focuses on completely destroyed areas (CMWU).

___________________________________________________

UNEP’s water-related recommendations taken from its report:

  • Repair water supply and sewage systems
  • Remove water from the ongoing conflict in the region
  • Provide safe water to infants
  • Carry out a study on the prevalence of methemoglobinaemia
  • Develop alternative water supply to the Gaza Strip
  • Improve efficiency of the water supply network
  • Improve the sewage system
  • Decontaminate sewage ponds and Wadi Gaza
  • Rebuild environmental governance

(click here for an article concerning water contamination in Gaza and how it affects Palestinian children)