Tulkarem-(BNEWS)- Today, the United States Agency for International Development and the Tulkarem Municipality launched the Tulkarem Wastewater Collection System Improvements project.
Currently, untreated wastewater flows into an open stream which poses threats to public health and the environment and which has led to social tensions. Over the next two years, the project will develop new sewer pipelines and upgrade the Irtah pump station to divert wastewater to oxidation ponds, eliminating the free discharge of over two million cubic meters of untreated wastewater per year. USAID’s investment will provide over 70,000 residents in Tulkarem City access to safely managed wastewater services, remedy a serious public health risk, and protect vital groundwater resources from contamination.
During the event, USAID West Bank and Gaza’s Mission Director Amy Tohill-Stull stated: “Water and wastewater services have always been, and will continue to be a priority for USAID. We are happy to partner with the Municipality to ensure the people of Tulkarem have access to basic services to improve overall community health, security and safety.”
Tulkarem Mayor, Dr. Riyad Awad, stated “We express our great appreciation and gratitude for USAID and the American people for this generous grant. This is a greatly important environmental and economic project for Tulkarem’s people and the infrastructure of the city. We look forward to further cooperation between our two peoples in the United States and Tulkarem city.”
This project is part of the larger USAID investment to improve the lives of Palestinians and set the conditions for a viable two-state solution.
Between 2021 and 2023, USAID will provide over $500 million in development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza.
