UNRWA Environmental Health and WASH Infrastructure in Gaza Phase II - ÜH

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Around 1.6 million people (approx. 70% of the population) in the Gaza Strip are UNRWA-registered refugees. Severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods due to the blockade of the Gaza Strip since 2007 are hampering economic development and have led to a dramatic deterioration in the socioeconomic situation of the population. Despite support, more than half of the population - and the trend is rising - live below the national poverty line. Among other things, the public water management infrastructure in communities and refugee camps is very outdated and urgently needs to be renovated or expanded. The aim of the transitional aid project is to improve the living and environmental conditions of Palestine refugees in the refugee camps in the Gaza Strip and to strengthen their resilience by providing and increasing the efficiency of basic WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) services. As in Phase I, Phase II will continue the rehabilitation of water distribution networks, rehabilitation and expansion of sewage networks, and flood protection and surface drainage measures. In view of the escalation of the Gaza conflict since October 7, 2023, the project objective should also include meeting acute needs, especially in the WASH area, e.g. by equipping temporary collective accommodation with WASH facilities, providing or treating drinking water, sanitation measures and disposal of wastewater and waste, repairing water and wastewater infrastructure, sewerage networks and household connections, etc. The project is being implemented by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). 15 million euros will be made available for this purpose.