RAMALLAH, July 23, 2009 (WAFA)- The Ministry of Local Government took,  Wednesday, delivery of over €3 million's worth of waste collection and disposal equipment, in a move that will directly impact on the quality of life of ordinary Palestinians, helping local authorities to deal with the estimated 500,000 tons of solid waste generated annually in the West Bank alone.

A ceremony was hosted by the Minister of Local Government, Khaled Al Qwasmeh and the European Commission Head of Operations, Roy Dickinson.

Minister Al-Qwasmeh praised the local ownership and good cooperation within this project, in which the Palestinian municipalities and the Ministry of Local Government, supported by the International Management Group and the European Union, prepared, tendered and managed the contracts that resulted in the delivery of 42 waste collection vehicles.

Mr. Dickinson added that, 'in the building-up of the Palestinian State, the quality of direct service delivery by the Municipalities to citizens is central to their perception of whether the Palestinian Authority can deliver improvements to their quality of life and fulfill the basic duties of a State. Through our assistance mechanism, PEGASE, the European Union supports all efforts of the Palestinian Authority to deliver services to the people, and is proud to have contributed to this long-term program for improving the environment.'

This is the second delivery of a series of EU-funded equipment, which will be sent out to 23 locations throughout the year. Under direct implementation of the Ministry, the project aims to enhance and develop the current solid waste management practices adopted in the West Bank, and will contribute to the setting up of proper infrastructure for the collection, transfer, and disposal of solid waste.

A lack of equipment in the past has meant that waste is sometimes not disposed of properly, which creates health hazards by contaminating ground water and soil, as well as air pollution due to uncontrolled burning.

The equipment handed over during the ceremony included 42 solid waste collection trucks, a road sweeper. The equipment delivered will benefit 23 municipalities, joint service councils and local councils across the West Bank.

To ensure the success of the project, three contracts have been signed with local companies for trucks, heavy equipment and waste collection containers which will also provide training for local council staff on the proper use and maintenance of the equipment.

PEGASE is the European Union's main mechanism for assistance to the Palestinian people through the implementation of the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP).