World Bank: Drinking Water Shortages in Gaza

[tekisui]

Source: International Herald Tribune

RAMALLAH, West Bank: The World Bank says there are growing signs of a severe public health crisis in Gaza because of a shortage of drinking water and an escalating failure of the sewage system.

The bank issued the statement Wednesday, based on data from the local water authority in Gaza.

The bank called on the Israeli government to allow enough fuel into Gaza to operate some 170 water and sewage pumps in Gaza. The bank also asked that Israel restore regular electricity supply as soon as possible to reduce dependence on fuel for generators.

Finally, the bank warned of the possibility that a sewage lake in northern Gaza might overflow, as it had done in the past. The bank called on Israel to allow maintenance crews to shore up the lake.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/07/news/ML-Palestinians-Health-Crisis.php

[Mike 03]

1. Not a good situation. That entire area of the Middle East has severe water

issues. Some of the analysis I've read about this conflict has pointed out that water could have a lot to do with it.

Israel has pioneered some very interesting technology in this regard, according to a presentation made at the last Michael Milken conference. The only good thing about water shortages is that they motivate intense and brilliant creativity. We here in the southwest of the U.S. should be learning more about this too, as we face similar challenges.