20 July 2011
Beirut
UNRWA and UNICEF today inaugurated a newly constructed stand-by water well in Mieh Mieh camp, in the presence of high-ranking UNRWA and UNICEF officials, as well as Palestinian community representatives.
Funded by UNICEF, the well will improve the capacity of the water supply network and will benefit the 4,700 residents of Mieh Mieh camp. Works had commenced in March 2010. The quality of the water is in conformity with the WHO specification, with a PH of 7.49. The pump installed gives an amount of 100 m3 /hour of water measured on the water tank.
This intervention is one of three sub-projects funded by UNICEF in relation to water infrastructure at a total cost of US$ 500,000. In El Buss camp, a hydrological feasibility study was undertaken between January and February 2010, and proposals for constructing a water well outside the camp boundaries are currently being investigated by UNRWA. When this project is implemented it will benefit the 9,700 residents living in El Buss.
Finally, a new water distribution network and storm water drainage system has been constructed in Mar Elias camp in Beirut. The upgraded network, which was completed in March 2011, will greatly reduce the risk of contamination of the water supply in the camp. In addition, the improvement of the existing storm water drainage system will eliminate the risk of flooding in the lowest parts of the camp. This initiative will benefit the 615 Palestinian residents of the camp.
Annamaria Laurini, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, said: “Neglecting sanitation and drinking water is a strike against progress and equity. Without it, communities and countries will lose the battle against poverty and ill-health. I am very happy to see that 4,700 people, mainly women and children, will benefit from safe water leading to adequate sanitation and hygiene.”
According to the director of UNRWA affairs in Lebanon, Salvatore Lombardo, this project represents “a very important improvement to the standard of living for the refugees in these camps.”
He noted: “Through this commendable partnership with UNICEF we have been able to improve water and sanitation infrastructure affecting around 5,000 refugees in the two camps.”
For further information please contact:
Hoda Samra
UNRWA public information officer in Lebanon
+961-70-010129
Fax: +961-1-840468
Email: h.samra@unrwa.org
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