Hebron Mayor Khaled Osaily and Mr. Mario Margini, Deputy Mayor of Genoa (Italy) signed on the 4th of December 2011 a Water and Wastewater Sector Project Agreement with a view to improving Hebron’s water situation, developing its water networks and enhancing the quality of services provided to inhabitants with a total cost of 2.8 million euros.

The Agreement was signed at the Project launching ceremony held at the Municipality’s Child Happiness Center with the participation of the Undersecretary of Local Government Mr. Mazen Ghneim, Hebron Governor Mr. Kamel Hamid, Antonio Laroka, Director of the Palestinian Municipalities’ Support Project implemented by Italy, Mr. Khalil Al Ghabbish, Director of the West Bank Water Department as well as numerous officials and eminent personalities from Hebron Government.

In his opening speech, Osaily welcomed his guests and addressed his thanks to the Italian Government and people for their support of Palestinians in general and of Hebron in particular. He spoke about the Remote Control System for the Hebron Water Network which was implemented with Italian support and which constitutes a true example of model cooperation. “We look forward to further our cooperation with Italian Municipalities with which we have twinning agreements and enjoy unique partnerships which have led to effective cooperation and achievements. This could not have been done without the solidarity of the Italian people, their support of Palestinian rights and their desire to improve the life of Palestinians and to alleviate their suffering”, he said.

Osaily also spoke about the Solid Waste Management Project in Hebron and Bethlehem Governorates implemented through the Higher Joint Council. “This is a qualitative partnership between local councils in Hebron and Bethlehem Governorates. Other environmental joint projects shall be executed in cooperation with the Italian Cooperation through the Higher Joint Services Council for the Treatment of Solid Waste”, he added.

Mr. Ghneim then took the floor. “I am very happy about the launching of this vital and strategic project. It shall aim at developing and enhancing water and wastewater management capacities in Hebron and shall greatly improve the level of services provided to inhabitants”, he said.

In his speech, Governor Hamid conveyed the condolences of President Abbas, the Palestinian leadership, Palestinians in general and Hebronites in particular to the Mayor of Genoa who was unable to attend the ceremony due to the floods and storms in her city which led to several deaths. He also thanked the Italian Government and people, urging them to continue their support of Palestinians and their leadership and to back their bid for full membership of the UN. Hamid spoke about achievements made in Hebron and thanked its Mayor, Municipal Council members and municipal staff for their efforts and achievements. “They set an example to be followed by other cities and municipalities”, he added.

Mr. Margini spoke about the importance of water in securing decent living conditions and the will to cooperate with Hebron Municipality in this field. This would help draw a smile on children’s faces, he said, wishing the project all success. “There is deep friendship and cooperation between the two municipalities. We shall continue our cooperation through a number of future projects which shall constitute a bridge between both nations as well as between the inhabitants of Hebron and Genoa”, he said.

Mr. Laroka spoke in detail about the project. “The Italian Government shall provide support to the project for hospital-generated waste management. Another project is supported by the Italian Consulate in cooperation with Palestine Polytechnic University with a view to developing marble and stone industries. We hope that other projects in the fields of Old City culture and heritage will be implemented in the near future. Hebron occupies a special place in our hearts, and these projects shall enhance friendship between Italy and Palestine”, he said.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Al Ghabbish explained why this project is so important. “It helps improve the management of water which is a rare commodity in Palestine given that Israel controls Palestinian water resources. Such a project would limit the crisis caused by the lack of water needed by Hebron inhabitants”, he said.

Following these speeches, two children from Hebron offered a symbolic gift to the Italian guests in recognition of efforts made by Genoa Municipality to treat their complex medical condition at an Italian hospital, with all costs covered by Genoa Municipality, at the request of Hebron Mayor and in line with the Twinning Agreement signed by the two municipalities.

It is to be noted that Mr. Margini promised to ensure the treatment of other children whose medical files have been submitted to Italian hospitals.