2009年-世界发展银行全球_West_Bank_and_Gaza_-_Assessment_of_Restrictions_on_Palestinian_Water_Sector_Development_154页_3mb

Summary of "Assessment of Restrictions on Palestinian Water Sector Development"

Core Content

This report, titled Assessment of Restrictions on Palestinian Water Sector Development, is part of the World Bank's Movement and Access study series. It evaluates the challenges faced by the Palestinian water sector in the West Bank and Gaza, focusing on the impact of governance structures, access restrictions, and insufficient investment on water availability, quality, and usage. The report was commissioned by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and conducted between September 2008 and February 2009, with support from various donors and organizations.

Main Report Overview

Part I. The Current Situation in the Palestinian Water Sector

West Bank

• Water Resources and Abstraction: Palestinians have access to one fifth of the Mountain Aquifer. They abstract about 20% of the estimated potential of the aquifers under both the West Bank and Israel. Israel abstracts the rest and overdraws by more than 50%, up to 1.8 times its share under Oslo II.
• Water Supply Situation: Network water supply has increased, with almost half of the water now supplied by Mekorot. Since Oslo, there has been a 50% increase in the number of Palestinians covered by network supply. However, access remains uneven, with about 50% of households still experiencing quality issues.
• Sanitation Situation: Only 31% of West Bank Palestinians are connected to a sewerage network. Wastewater treatment is limited to four towns, and effluent quality is poor. Wastewater is often discharged into lagoons, wadis, or the sea, with 25 MCM of raw sewage being released annually.
• Health and Environmental Impacts: Water-related illnesses are common, with public health costs estimated at 0.4% of GDP. Water quality is deteriorating, and unconnected communities pay significantly higher prices for water.
• Agricultural Water Use: Irrigated agriculture contributes about 12% to GDP and employs 117,000 people. However, M&A restrictions and reduced water availability are limiting agricultural output and employment. The economic cost of foregone opportunities in agriculture is estimated at up to 10% of GDP and 110,000 jobs.

Gaza

• Water Resource Situation: No new water sources have been developed since Oslo II. Groundwater overuse has led to quality decline and seawater intrusion. Only 5-10% of the aquifer provides drinking water.
• Water Supply Situation: Water supply coverage and availability have improved but have deteriorated due to border closures and conflict. Since 2005, water supply has become intermittent, and the utility's revenue base has collapsed, with collection rates falling to 20%.
• Sanitation Situation: Sanitation infrastructure is inadequate, and existing treatment plants provide partial and intermittent service. Most sewage is returned to the environment, threatening public health and the environment.
• Health and Environmental Impacts: Contaminated water has led to health issues, including "blue baby syndrome." In 2007, a sewage flood in Beit Lahia resulted in five deaths. One of the two temporary lagoons built after the incident collapsed in March 2009.
• Agricultural Water Use: Agricultural activity has been severely restricted by closures and controls, reducing the sector to low levels. Despite being urbanized, Gaza has a potentially profitable irrigated agriculture sector that is now under threat.

Part II. Principal Causes of the Current Situation

• Failings in Water Resources Development and Management:

  • The Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) struggles with integrated management due to the governance framework established by Oslo II.
  • Inadequate development of new water resources in the West Bank.
  • Sub-optimal yield from existing resources and over-reliance on Mekorot.

• Low Investment and Weak Management:

  • Underinvestment in water supply and sanitation infrastructure in the West Bank.
  • Sub-optimal management of service provision, leading to poor access, high costs, and negative health and environmental impacts.

• Underinvestment in Gaza:

  • Limited planning and investment in water supply and sanitation since Oslo II.

Part III. Constraints to Improved Investment and Management

• Constraints from Oslo, Occupation, and M&A Restrictions:

  • The Joint Water Committee (JWC) has limited effectiveness due to consensus-based decision-making.
  • The Civil Administration and M&A restrictions limit Palestinian movement and access to water resources.

• Constraints from Palestinian Institutional Weaknesses:

  • The Palestinian Water Law and the structure of the water sector organization.
  • The PWA faces capacity and performance challenges.
  • Access to water resources within the West Bank is constrained by the Israeli control of shared aquifers.

• Constraints from Development Partners:

  • Donor constraints in investment and implementation.
  • The role of NGOs and the Emergency Water and Sanitation Group (EWASH).

• Gaza-Specific Constraints:

  • The PWA in Gaza faces unique challenges.
  • The Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU) is under significant strain.

Part IV. Conclusion: Towards an Agenda

The report concludes by identifying the agenda for the Palestinian Authority to improve water resources and services, aiming to enhance living standards and economic growth. It emphasizes the need for better governance, increased investment, and improved access to water resources.

Key Points

• Water Access: Palestinians have limited access to shared water resources, with Israel controlling most of the aquifers.
• Water Supply: Network water supply has improved, but access remains uneven, with many households relying on tanker water, which is expensive and unreliable.
• Sanitation: Wastewater treatment is inadequate, leading to environmental and health risks.
• Agricultural Impact: M&A restrictions and reduced water availability are significantly affecting agricultural output and employment.
• Economic Impact: Water shortages and poor quality are increasing costs and reducing economic growth.
• Policy Recommendations: The report calls for a comprehensive approach to address institutional, governance, and external constraints to improve the water sector.

Main Viewpoints

• The water sector in both the West Bank and Gaza is severely impacted by governance and access restrictions.
• There is a need for improved management and increased investment to ensure reliable and safe water services.
• The role of the PWA is critical, but it faces significant external and internal constraints.
• The economic and social impacts of water shortages and poor quality are substantial, particularly for the poor and unconnected communities.

Critical Information

• Water Availability: Palestinians have access to significantly less fresh water than Israelis.
• Water Quality: Poor water quality is leading to health issues and increased public health costs.
• Economic Impact: The cost of water shortages and poor management is estimated to be up to 1% of GDP.
• Environmental Impact: Untreated sewage and overuse of groundwater are causing severe environmental degradation.
• Agricultural Impact: The sector is suffering from reduced access to water and goods, affecting output and employment.

Acronyms

Key Findings

• The water sector in the West Bank and Gaza is under significant strain due to political and institutional constraints.
• There is a need for a more systematic approach to address the exogenous and endogenous factors affecting the sector.
• Increased investment and better governance are essential for improving water services and reducing the impact on the population and environment.