Water and sanitation (Gaza Strip)
Sewage flowing in the streets has been reported in several areas across Rafah, over the past three days. This is attributed to a combination of the limited operation of only one wastewater treatment plant due to fuel shortage and damage sustained by the sewage infrastructure.
On 21 November, UNRWA delivered 19,500 litres of fuel to the Gaza’s main water utility. The following day, fuel was distributed to water and sanitation facilities in the south:
two seawater desalination plants,
79 water wells,
15 water pumping stations,
18 sewage pumping stations, and
one wastewater treatment plant.
Supply of potable water in the south via two pipelines coming from Israel has continued.
In the north, grave concerns of dehydration and waterborne diseases due to water consumption from unsafe sources continue.
The water desalination plant and the Israeli pipeline supplying water to the north are not functioning. There has been no distribution of bottled water among IDPs accommodated in shelters for about two weeks due to partners’ inability to access the north.
(source: relief web int 23nov2023)