27 November 2012: The World Bank has announced a grant of US$6.4 million to improve water services in Gaza. The objective of the “Palestinian Reform and Development Plan” is to finance the rehabilitation and expansion of existing water and wastewater systems, allowing the provision of better services.

The World Bank, under its strategy for the West Bank and Gaza, will allocate resources to this project in order to construct water tanks aiming to collect and blend water from various sources. The Bank notes the expectation of reducing water waste and improving the quality and efficiency of Gaza water supply.

This grant also will contribute to regenerating water distribution networks and water wells. In a partnership with The Islamic Development Bank, an additional US$11.14 million will be added to the project. [World Bank Press Release]