Water treatment plant opens in Gaza

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

The Palestinian International Red Cross Foundation has funded the establishment of a water treatment plant in the Gaza Strip. Built in Rafah at the southern end of the Strip, the plant provides fresh water for around 17,000 residents in the area; the project has been competed in cooperation with the local Municipality. The Foundation believes that this is one of the most important projects it has carried out in the region and is one of the largest treatment plants in Palestine.

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The cost of the project has reached $4million. In other countries such a project may have fallen through due to lack of available and suitable materials. However, the Palestinian plant, which opened at the end of March, has succeeded because the Palestinian workers and engineers found alternative materials to strengthen the concrete docks, which were left behind after the withdrawal of the Israel Occupation Forces and illegal settlers in 2005.

The project is expected to serve the Rafah area for up to 25 years and the water can be used for agricultural purposes, providing significant improvements to the quality of produce and crops. According to the Red Cross, the huge strain on water facilities in the Gaza Strip will be eased greatly and water pollution will be reduced.

MEMO Photographer: Mohammed Asad