HEBRON, July 22, 2009 (WAFA)– The Palestinian  National Authority and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) celebrated the opening of the Dahriyeh – Ramadeen Road in the most southern part of the West Bank on Tuesday.

Minister of Public Works and Housing Mohammad Shtayyeh, Hebron Governor Hussein Al-'Araj and USAID Mission Director Howard Sumka attended the ceremony along with Palestinian Authority dignitaries and representatives of the Hebron community.

USAID contributed more than $3.5 million to rehabilitate 8.2 kilometers of road and sidewalks, improving traffic conditions and pedestrian safety. Approximately 1,600 vehicles will travel on the Dahriyeh – Ramadeen Road daily, and approximately 17 million vehicles will travel over the next 20 years.

Dahriyeh is the third largest community in the Hebron area and has great potential as a commercial hub. Approximately 100,000 residents of the Negev travel to Dahriyeh on the road, thus creating new opportunities for commercial activity.

The Dahriyeh – Ramadeen road rehabilitation is part of USAID's new 5-year, $300 million Infrastructure Needs Program, which aims to improve the quality of Palestinian infrastructure and help the Palestinian economy. During the first year of the program, USAID is providing $80 million to implement 17 projects, including schools, roads, and water distribution systems improvements.