Ramallah - Eng. Mazen Ghoneim ,head of the Water Authority, met today with Tor Winsell, Norwegian envoy for the peace process, to discuss developments in the water sector and issues that require intervention and support especially in Gaza Strip

Several technical issues were mentioned during the meeting, most importantly the energy problem and the need to provide it to be able to operate the ongoing projects. 

Eng. Ghoneim explained that the Water Authority is currently working on providing electricity to operate North Gaza treatment plant, which is expected to be accomplished by the end of this year.

The two parties also discussed the developments related to the desalination plant project and the need for extra efforts and support to provide 200 million$ remaining  to accomplish the project. Mr. Tour promised that he will discuss this issue with donors and proceed the procedures as soon as possible

Head of the Water Authority confirmed that PWA is  moving forward to solve the water situation in Gaza with quick steps, noting that the Water Authority is currently working on establishing mixing water tanks, which will absorb the quantities of additional water, whether from the central desalination plant or from Mecorot company to increase the quantities of water, which requires the absence of obstacles and the continued entry of necessary equipment and materials and any necessary maintenance without any obstacles by the Israeli side, as the world knows , Gaza is about to have a disaster that threatens the existence of Humanitarian in it ,and hence  efforts should be  redouble to solve the catastrophic situation there.

The two sides agreed to continue the cooperation in developing the water sector. The Norwegian envoy expressed his readiness to provide the necessary support for all vital issues that contribute to rescue the water crises in Gaza, as well as resolving all obstacles by Intervention with relevant parties.