Ramallah: On Thursday, Dr. Ziyad al-Mimi, Head of Water Authority, discussed means of joint cooperation in the water sector with Mr. Philippe Orliange, Executive Director of Operations in the Middle East, accompanied by Mrs. Veronique Sauvat, Country Director of the French Development Agency (FDA) in Palestine, and Mr. Antoine Buge, Programs Director. The meeting was also attended by Eng. Njoud ‘Abdo, Director of International Cooperation, and Eng. Ziyad Daraghmeh, Head of the Projects Unit at the Water Authority.
During the meeting, Dr. al-Mimi reviewed the most prominent strategic projects funded by the French government through the French Development Agency, highlighting their role in developing and improving the Palestinian water sector’s services. He commended the close relationship with the French partners, and the continuous support and efforts France presents in the context of developing water infrastructure in Palestine.
The meeting also addressed new projects funded by the French Development Agency, including the wastewater treatment plant renovation project in Yamoun and the “WADIZ” project for institutional support to improve wastewater management and reuse. Both projects aim to enhance service efficiency and promote environmental sustainability in this vital sector.
Dr. al-Mimi also briefed the delegation on the main challenges facing the implementation of water projects, due to political complexities and the measures imposed by the Israeli occupation. In addition to reviewing the catastrophic situation in Gaza Strip, as a result of the continuous aggression and the extensive destruction it caused to water and sanitation networks.
Head of Water Authority made reference to the efforts exerted to enhance the efficiency of water sources management, reduce the encroachments and theft, and to move forward in the construction and development of water facilities to guarantee the sustainable, and equitable water services in various governorates.