Ramallah- Head of Water Authority, Eng. Mazen Ghunaim, met in his office today with the ICRC's Water Projects Coordinator in Palestine, Mr. Christophe Canes, where he discussed with him the developments of work in water and sanitation projects and the urgent needs of water sector development projects and the priorities of needs, especially in light of the challenges that this vital sector faces now.

At the beginning of the meeting, Eng. Ghunaim stressed the important role of the Red Cross in providing support in emergency humanitarian needs, urgent interventions, and rapid response, especially during the Corona pandemic to protect public health and safety and provide safe water for citizens across the country.

The meeting included a discussion of several important topics through which  Mr. Canes was briefed on the most prominent projects implemented by the Water Authority, and the most important emergency interventions taken by the Water Authority in response to the immediate needs of citizens and service providers under the Corona pandemic to find appropriate solutions and provide the necessary possibilities to ensure the water service for citizens and ensure their quality, which required intensified work in the field and continuous monitoring of water stations and sources and ensure the process of sterilization, follow-up of maintenance and provision of equipment to ensure that there is no disruption or emergency and Precautionary measures taken in relation to sewage..

The meeting included a discussion of several strategic programs and projects and initiatives being implemented by the Water Authority in the framework of water sector development and cooperation with partners supporting the water sector.

The meeting also discussed developments in the Red Cross activities supporting the water sector, including the remote operation of the Deir al-Balah desalination plant and the provision of chlorine during the pandemic in the Gaza strip, as well as development projects being prepared in cooperation with partners and supporters of the water sector, Mr. Christophe stressed the importance of future cooperation to develop this vital sector.

At the end of the meeting, Minister Ghunaim wished Mr. Christophe success in his new mission in Palestine, which comes under exceptional circumstances that the whole world is living due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two parties and continuing to allocate the necessary support for humanitarian and emergency projects in the water sector, which is facing more challenges, requiring all means and possibilities to provide water as a result of the Corona pandemic.