加沙水危机对公众健康的影响（英文版）_107页_2mb

The Public Health Impacts of Gaza's Water Crisis: Summary

Core Content

Gaza is facing a severe water and sanitation crisis that has significant public health implications for the region and its neighbors. The crisis is characterized by a dual challenge: a shortage of potable water and inadequate wastewater treatment. The situation has worsened due to a combination of factors including deteriorating infrastructure, political restrictions on the import of essential materials, and an unreliable energy supply.

The coastal aquifer, Gaza’s main freshwater source, is being depleted and its quality is deteriorating due to seawater intrusion, wastewater seepage, and agricultural runoff. Over 108,000 cubic meters of untreated sewage flow into the Mediterranean Sea daily, creating extreme public health risks. More than a quarter of all reported diseases in Gaza are linked to poor water quality and access, and if current trends continue, the region could face a major public health disaster.

Main Points

• Water Supply: Gaza's water supply is limited in both quantity and quality. The aquifer is overused, and its water is largely unfit for human consumption.
• Wastewater Treatment: Only partial wastewater treatment is operational, with significant portions of sewage flowing untreated into the environment.
• Energy Shortages: Gaza's energy supply is unreliable, with only about four hours of electricity per day available. This limits the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Political Constraints: Restrictions on imports and movement of goods, particularly by Israel and Egypt, have hindered infrastructure repairs and development. These constraints are exacerbated by intra-Palestinian disputes over electricity payments.
• Public Health Risks: Poor water quality and inadequate sanitation contribute to waterborne diseases, with potential for these diseases to spread to Israel and Egypt.

Key Information

• Water Quality: According to WHO standards, about 97% of the groundwater in Gaza is unfit for human consumption.
• Water Demand: Gaza's annual water demand is estimated at 180 million cubic meters, while the aquifer's yield is only 55 to 60 million cubic meters.
• Population Growth: With an expected annual population growth of over 3.2%, demand for potable water is projected to increase from 103 mcm in 2015 to 140 mcm in 2035.
• Funding Gaps: As of March 2018, there was a $244 million funding gap for reconstruction efforts, including water and energy infrastructure. Only 50% of the $547 million Humanitarian Response Plan was funded, with the WASH portion being particularly underfunded.
• International Funding: Donors have shown willingness to fund infrastructure but not operation and maintenance, which is critical for long-term sustainability.

Policy Recommendations

Increase Electricity Supply

• Advance the 161kV Line: A high-voltage connection to Israel's grid could increase daily power supply by 100 MW.
• Increase Power from Egypt: Egypt could provide an additional 25 MW per day by mid-2019.
• Upgrade Transmission and Distribution Networks: This would enable more diverse and reliable power generation and imports.
• Connect GPP to Natural Gas: This would allow the Gaza Power Plant to operate at its maximum capacity of 140 MW per day.
• Ensure Reliable Power for Wastewater Treatment: The NGEST plant requires a reliable power supply to function effectively.
• Invest in Solar Energy: This could improve the resilience of critical infrastructure.
• Create a Follow-Up Mechanism: For donor-funded WASH projects to ensure their successful implementation.

Increase Potable Water Supply and Improve Wastewater Treatment

• Increase Water Purchases from Israel: The Red Sea–Dead Sea project could provide additional potable water to Gaza.
• Expand Desalination Capacity: This would allow for more treatment of raw water at both industrial and household levels.
• Accelerate Construction of Gaza Central Desalination Plant: Donors should help close the $230 million funding gap.
• Improve Water Storage and Distribution: This would allow for more efficient water purchases and reduce losses due to leakage.
• Invest in Wastewater Treatment Methods: To eliminate exposure to raw sewage and reduce waterborne hazards.
• Distribute Treatment Chemicals and Spare Parts: This could help prevent disease outbreaks.
• Construct More Wastewater Treatment Plants: Including the three or more projects already under way.
• Consider Indirect Potable Reuse: Treated wastewater can be used to recharge the coastal aquifer.
• Repair Wastewater Collection Systems: This would reduce the flow of untreated sewage into surface and groundwater.

Protect Public Health and Promote Hygiene and Sanitation Practices

• Prevent Disease Outbreaks: By providing cholera vaccinations and rehydration salt packets.
• Maintain Basic Health Services: Through international funding for clinics and ensuring energy supply to hospitals.
• Promote Hygiene and Sanitation Education: Especially in schools, where students are particularly vulnerable.
• Create a Regional Pandemic Task Force: To implement containment strategies and prevent outbreaks.

Reduce Import Barriers and Work Within Political Differences

• Reconsider Funding Cuts: To humanitarian organizations like UNRWA.
• Increase Funds for Public Health Risk Mitigation: To address immediate health threats.
• Relax Import Restrictions: Israel and Egypt should balance security concerns with humanitarian needs.
• Identify Trusted Third Parties: To mediate intra-Palestinian disputes over water and electricity.
• Form International Coalitions: To address regional concerns and support Gaza's development.

Conclusion

The water and energy crisis in Gaza is a complex issue with significant public health implications. While the solutions are technically feasible, political challenges and funding gaps are major barriers. Addressing these issues requires cooperation among all stakeholders, including the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, Israel, Egypt, and the international community. Immediate stabilization measures and long-term infrastructure investments are essential to prevent a large-scale public health disaster.