Foundation Stone Laid for the Aboud Bulk Water Connection Point - A Strategic Step Toward Achieving Water Security and Promoting Sustainable Development in Palestine

It aims to improve the quality and reliability of water supply services in the Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate, ensuring fair distribution of water and enhancing the efficiency of water management to meet the needs of local communities equitably and sustainably. The first phase includes the construction of 45 kilometers of transmission lines, two pumping stations in Aboud and Mazari al-Nubani, and two reservoirs with a capacity of 5,000 cubic meters each in Beit Rima and Umm Safa. The project's production capacity is expected to reach approximately 25,500 cubic meters per day, benefiting about 90,000 citizens in 22 communities during the first phase, with the second phase extending to include more than 165,000 additional citizens.

The first phase includes the construction of 45 kilometers of transmission pipelines, two pumping stations in Aboud and Mazari‘ Al-Nubani, and two water reservoirs with a capacity of 5,000 cubic meters each in Beit Rima and Um Safa. The project’s production capacity is expected to reach approximately 25,500 cubic meters per day, benefiting around 90,000 citizens across 22 communities in its initial phase, while the second phase will extend the benefits to more than 165,000 additional citizens.

The project will increase the per capita water share to 127 liters per day in the beneficiary communities, enhance the efficiency of wholesale water management, and strengthen public trust in water services. It also aims to promote social justice by reducing disparities in water distribution and supporting economic development in the agriculture, industry, and tourism sectors. The project aligns with the Palestinian government’s vision to guarantee citizens’ right to safe and sustainable water, and to promote equity in resource distribution as a foundation of resilience and development—despite the sector’s challenges stemming from limited natural resources and restrictions on their use.

Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa affirmed that this event is the best response to the occupation and its practices, whether in the West Bank, Jerusalem, or the Gaza Strip, demonstrating that our people are determined to live, build, and achieve independence, no matter how long it takes and no matter how great the challenges.

The Prime Minister said: "Aboud and the surrounding area benefiting from this project are symbols of the Palestinian people's struggle and their determination to defy the occupation and continue with reform, development, and progress."

He added: "Water is the source of life, development, the economy, and resilience, and we thank our partners in the European Union and the French government, and everyone who contributed to and participated in this project, whose message is clear: the Palestinian people deserve independence and a dignified life."

Mustafa stressed that in this current situation, where the occupation is trying to erase everything we have built through our struggle and achievements, attempting to wipe Gaza off the map, Judaize Jerusalem, and suffocate the West Bank every day and by all means, our response is that we will not weaken or despair, and we will continue to persevere, develop, reform, and work to serve our people.

For his part, the Head of the Water Authority, Dr. Ziad Al-Mimi, affirmed that this project embodies the Water Authority's strategic vision and the government's priorities in developing the water sector as one of the pillars of national development and resilience. He explained that the Water Authority is working to advance the water and sanitation sectors by developing legislative and institutional systems, improving the quality of services, and ensuring fairness in their distribution.

Dr. Mustafa concluded by stressing that the government will continue to support strategic projects in the water sector, praising the dedicated efforts of the Palestinian Water Authority, and commending the strong cooperation with international partners and local institutions. He reaffirmed that the government remains fully committed to advancing projects that serve Palestinian citizens and strengthen the foundations of an independent and sovereign state.

For his part, H.E. Dr. Ziad Mimi, Head of the Palestinian Water Authority, emphasized that this project reflects the strategic vision of the Authority and aligns with the government’s priorities to develop the water sector as a key pillar of national resilience and sustainable growth. He stated that the Authority continues to work on advancing both the water and sanitation sectors through legislative and institutional reforms, improving service quality, and ensuring fairness in distribution.

Dr. Mimi underscored that securing reliable water sources and modern supply networks is an investment in the resilience, dignity, and stability of the Palestinian people, particularly in areas that have long suffered from water scarcity.

He further noted that the Water Authority is also implementing major wastewater projects, including the North East Ramallah Wastewater Project, a large-scale initiative currently in the design phase, serving 14 communities with an estimated cost of €60 million to address the environmental and health challenges in these areas.

At the good governance and institutional level, Dr. Mimi explained that the Authority is working to establish regional water utilities in several governorates to rationalize costs and reduce the number of service providers, while supporting service providers with prepaid meters to reduce water losses from aging networks and replace them with modern systems, in addition to adopting clearance mechanisms and ensuring effective deterrence against encroachments on water lines and attacks on public property.

He concluded by affirming that the Palestinian Water Authority will continue leading national efforts to achieve water justice, enhance public confidence in water services, and build a sustainable water future grounded in efficiency, transparency, and international partnership.

Dr. Laila Ghannam, Governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, emphasized the importance of this project as a cornerstone for local development, commending the efforts of the Palestinian government, the Water Authority, and international partners for their continuous support of infrastructure projects that directly improve citizens’ daily lives. She noted that improving water services in rural and underserved communities enhances stability and promotes sustainable development, serving the broader national interest.

In his speech, EU Representative in Palestine Mr. Alexander Stutzmann affirmed that this project reflects the European Union’s firm commitment to supporting the Palestinian government’s efforts to ensure equitable and sustainable access to water. He noted that strengthening water infrastructure is fundamental to achieving sustainable economic and social development.

Mr. Romain Le Floch, Deputy Consul General of France, emphasized the depth of the historical partnership between France and Palestine in the water sector, noting France's pride, through the French Development Agency (AFD), in supporting strategic projects that enhance essential public services and strengthen institutional capacities. He added that the Aboud connection point project represents a tangible example of this partnership, directly contributing to enhancing water security and improving the quality of life for Palestinian citizens.

Meanwhile, Deputy Consul General of France in Jerusalem, Mr. Romain Le Floch, highlighted the depth of the long-standing French-Palestinian partnership in the water sector, stressing that France, through the French Development Agency (AFD) is proud to support strategic projects that strengthen essential public services and institutional capacities. He added that the Aboud Connection Point Project stands as a tangible expression of this partnership, contributing to greater water security and a better quality of life for Palestinian citizens.

Head of Aboud Village Council Mr. Elias Aazar expressed the community’s appreciation for this vital project, describing it as a transformative step that will significantly improve water services, strengthen development, and enhance stability in the benefiting villages.

The beneficiary areas in the first phase include, in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate: Aboud, Beit Rima, Deir Ghassaneh, Qarawat Bani Zeid, Nabi Saleh, Kafr Ein, Deir Abu Mash’al, Deir Nitham, Deir Sudan, Ajoul, Attarah, Birzeit, Arura, Um Safa, Mazari‘ Al-Nubani, Shuqba, Qibya, Shibteen, and the city of Rawabi. In Salfit Governorate, the project will serve Kafr ad-Dik and Bruqin.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, participants reaffirmed that strengthening partnerships between national institutions and international development partners is essential to advancing water infrastructure, upholding the Palestinian people’s right to water as a fundamental human right, and continuing joint efforts to achieve sustainable development and build a better future for generations to come.