Ramallah: The Palestinian government and the French Development Agency (AFD) on Sunday signed two financing agreements worth a total of £20 million to support strategic projects aimed at strengthening the wastewater sector, expanding water reuse, and advancing reforms to improve basic water services across Palestine.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the agreements were signed in Ramallah by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Stephan Salameh and AFD Regional Director for the Middle East Yves Guicquero. The event was attended by several key figures, including Minister of Agriculture Rizq Salimia, Head of the Palestinian Water Authority Ziad Mimi, and others.
Salameh highlighted the significance of these projects in enhancing water and sanitation services and improving the efficiency of Palestinian institutions in resource management. He emphasized that the agreements underscore the government's commitment to developing water infrastructure and promoting sustainable water resource management.
Salimia pointed out the strategic importance of reusing treated wastewater in agriculture, describing the program as a pillar for building an integrated national framework for managing treated wastewater. The initiative aims to link water treatment with agricultural reuse by enhancing legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks.
Mimi noted that the West Jenin project will introduce an advanced central treatment plant to process around 7,500 cubic meters of wastewater per day, meeting Palestinian standards for safe agricultural reuse. The project is expected to serve 92,000 people by 2045, contributing to groundwater protection and strengthening water security.
Guicquero affirmed France's commitment to the Palestinian people, stating that Team Europe's support combines reforms that enhance sector resilience with investments impacting local communities, particularly in the northern West Bank.
The first agreement will see AFD financing the Tajdeed project with £15 million to improve wastewater management and agricultural reuse in West Jenin. This includes constructing a modern treatment plant and developing water and sanitation networks, alongside training programs for staff to ensure efficient operation.
The project is part of a broader program receiving contributions from the German Development Bank KfW and the European Union, with a total cost of £31.7 million over five years, implemented in collaboration with the West Jenin Water Utility and the Palestinian Water Authority.