The EU, Denmark and the Palestinian Authority inaugurate a vital drinking water project in Area C near Hebron

This crucial project, supported by a funding of €550,000 from the European Union and Denmark, included the construction of a 500 cubic meters elevated water tank and the installation of a 1,000-meter water transmission line. It will help in alleviating the challenges faced by more than 7,000 local residents who have been enduring water scarcity and inadequate sanitary conditions.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Minister of Local Government, the EU Head of Cooperation, the Danish Head of Cooperation, the Director of the Municipal Lending and Development Fund, as well as representatives from Hebron governorate, the local authority, and nearby villages.

‘’Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a fundamental human right. Palestinians living in Area C face many challenges, in particular in accessing water for personal and domestic use. This project marks an important milestone towards increasing Palestinians access to clean drinking water in Area C in south Hebron hills. Safeguarding water and the environment is key towards sustainable development and ensuring a better future for all Palestinians against the backdrop of climate change,’' said the EU Head of Cooperation IBRAHIM LAAFIA. “The EU remains committed to invest into socio-economic projects in Area C, projects like the ones we inaugurated today which will help bring a positive change to the lives of Palestinian families in this area," he added.

“Together with the EU and other partners, Denmark works to strengthen access and delivery of essential services to improve the quality of life of marginalized Palestinian communities living in Area C. Our collective aim through such projects is to expand access to safe, affordable and reliable drinking water because the human right to water is central for leading a life in human dignity,” said Peter B. Jensen, Head of Cooperation, Danish Representative Office in Ramallah.

This newly inaugurated project is an extension of the ongoing support provided by the European Union and its Member States for developmental initiatives in Area C. All EU activities in the West Bank strictly adhere to international humanitarian law. The EU provides humanitarian assistance to communities in need in Area C, guided by the imperative of addressing their critical needs. Furthermore, the EU collaborates with the Palestinian Authority to promote the development of Area C and provide support to Palestinian communities. This includes projects that foster economic growth, improve the quality of life for Palestinian communities, and address key areas such as private sector development, environment, and agriculture. The overarching objective of EU development assistance is to ensure that Palestinians living in Area C can fully exercise their right to development, including access to adequate housing, education, and infrastructure that caters to their basic needs.