Photo credit: news.un.org
Every day, Ibrahim Alloush drives his water truck through Gaza, striving to alleviate the acute water shortage by filling empty tanks and containers. Recently, a reporter accompanied him on a challenging mission to provide much-needed water to the residents of Jabalia. Meeting Alloush at a local desalination plant, the correspondent observed the prolonged wait times that characterize the process of collecting water.
The situation at the desalination facility is dire, as it is significantly overcrowded. With fuel supplies dwindling, Alloush explained that the plant requires between 35 to 40 liters of diesel every hour to function properly. The current resource scarcity poses considerable challenges to water distribution in the region.
Prolonged Waits and Rising Costs
At the desalination plant, patience is essential. “We can spend about five hours waiting for our turn to fill up,” Alloush shared. The expense of water has skyrocketed due to operational costs, making it unaffordable for many residents. “The price of one cubic meter is extremely high, costing between 90 to 100 shekels – that’s roughly 20 Jordanian dinars,” he noted.
As Alloush completes his load, he navigates his aging truck through the ravaged neighborhoods of Jabalia, where the remnants of destruction complicate travel. His mission extends beyond the desalination plant; Alloush is determined to reach those in need of water, who rely on him for this vital resource.
People constantly await his arrival. In many areas, access for trucks is nearly impossible. Without Alloush’s efforts, these communities would be deprived of one of life’s most essential resources.
The Human Toll of the Water Crisis
“We are facing a severe water crisis,” lamented Ayman Kamal, a local resident, to UN News. While some residents can endure half a day just to fill a few gallons, others may not even secure access due to the lengthy lines.
Fathi al-Kahlout, filling his bucket, expressed the despair felt by many. “Without water, there is no life… We wait for the drinking water that travels from distant areas, and people rush to get their share,” he explained.
Sameer Badr also voiced his frustrations, stating, “The blockade has brought us countless challenges. We hope the world sees us as it does other nations. While others live comfortably, we find ourselves in this plight.” He described the daily struggle of his children, who roam in search of water.
Escalating Water Shortage
With border crossings shut and a ban on fuel imports, desalination facilities find themselves paralyzed. The collapse of primary water supply pipelines has critically reduced the accessible drinking water for Gaza’s residents. UNICEF has raised alarms about the escalating crisis.
Following the cessation of a recent ceasefire, repair efforts on crucial wells and water sources came to an abrupt stop, leaving many systems either inoperative or at risk of deterioration.
UNICEF reports that around one million individuals, including 400,000 children, are currently receiving just six liters of water daily per person, a significant drop from the previous average of 16 liters. If the fuel shortage persists, this amount could plummet to under four liters in the weeks ahead, forcing families to turn to unsanitary sources, which dramatically heightens the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly among children.
Source
news.un.org