Qatar announces new projects in Gaza

The Qatari Ambassador to Palestine Mohammad Al-Emadi, who heads the Qatari National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza, announced on Tuesday a package of new projects in various sectors in Gaza worth an estimated $32 million.

During the signing of the contracts for the new projects, Al-Emadi noted that the agreed projects include the reconstruction of Salah Al-Din Street and Sheikh Radwan pond; the installation of six pumps and a line for transfer to the sea; the establishment of 300 housing units; the construction of four residential buildings in the north of Gaza; and a further 11 buildings in the central area.

Al-Emadi praised the efforts of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the reconciliation government in communicating with the Israelis over the entry of construction materials into Palestine.

He pointed out that the committee agreed with the head of the Energy Authority (EA), Omar Katana, that the production capacity of the Gaza power plant will be increased to 340 MW, and that the power plant will be provided with a gas line from Israel. The cost of this extension, worth $10 million, will be paid by Qatar.

Al-Amadi also said that the committee discussed with Israel the possibility of constructing a station inside Israel to provide the Gaza Strip with 100 MW by selling them to the Power and Energy Authority. Contact is ongoing over obtaining the necessary approval.