As part of the ongoing efforts and various activities being implemented under the emergency and life-saving response plan, and with the aim of repairing, rehabilitating, and restoring the operation of damaged water and wastewater facilities across the Gaza Strip, the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU) and Gaza Municipality today received a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) during a field visit to the Sheikh Ajleen Wastewater Treatment Plant, south of Gaza City. The plant sustained extensive damage as a result of the war, and the visit was conducted in preparation for the launch of the first phase of its rehabilitation, repair, and restoration works, with the aim of ensuring an acceptable level of environmental efficiency in removing pollutants.
The visiting delegation included Mr. Angel, Head of the Water and Habitat Department at the ICRC, Ms. Francesca, Deputy Head of the ICRC Sub-Delegation in Gaza, along with a number of specialists. They were received by Eng. Omar Shtat, Deputy Executive Director of CMWU, together with a number of engineers from CMWU and Gaza Municipality.
During the field visit, the participants inspected the various facilities of the plant and reviewed the extent of the damage and destruction it had sustained, as well as the different components, works, and equipment planned under the first phase of rehabilitation. This phase will enable the plant to resume operations by the beginning of 2027.
The visit also included discussions on prospects for cooperation, as well as interventions and plans scheduled for implementation during 2026 and 2027, with the aim of the urgent restoration of various water and wastewater services and improving their quality for residents and displaced people, thereby ensuring an acceptable level of living conditions and human dignity.
The visit highlights the importance of cooperation and coordination between CMWU and the ICRC in supporting the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, with the aim of improving water and wastewater services across the Gaza Strip.
