Palestinian President follows the implementation of the Gaza Desalination Facility Project

Ramallah, 18 June, 2013. The Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, headed a meeting on 17 June, 2013 at the Presidential Office in Ramallah, dedicated to following up on the implementation of the Gaza Desalination Facility project.

A detailed report regarding the progress of the project was presented by the UfM Deputy Secretary General for Environment & Water, Dr. Rafiq Husseini. Ways for gathering Arab and International support for implementing this vital project were discussed in light of the existing Arab and International commitments to provide financial support for its implementation. In this respect, the Prime Minister and his deputies shall make the necessary calls with all the relevant parties for proceeding with the implementation of this project.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Abu-Amr, mentioned that the success of this key project would solve the water shortage that Gaza suffers, which calls for the cooperation of all the related parties. He added that the government aspires to the quick implementation of this project, given the tightening water crisis in the Strip, as 90% of the water is not suitable for drinking or agriculture.

He also stressed that “what makes the Gaza Desalination Facility project even more urgent is the fact that the water crisis in the Strip would escalate at an alarming rate over the coming three years.” Similarly, the issues of electricity and wastewater treatment were discussed. The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister Rami Hamad Allah; his Deputy Abu-Amr; the Deputy for Economic Affairs, Mohamed Mustafa; and the UfM Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Rafiq Husseini.

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