RAMALLAH, February 25, 2010 (WAFA) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Palestinian Authority celebrated the completion of three new roads near Ramallah: Al Taybeh Road, Al Taybeh-Rammon Road, and Silwan-Deir Jareer Road.
The completion of 7.6 kilometers of new roads is in support of the Palestinian Authority's efforts to improve infrastructure throughout the West Bank and Gaza, and to provide increased opportunities for the Palestinian people.
The inauguration ceremony, held on February 25 in the village of Al Taybeh, was attended by Minister of Public Works and Housing Mohammad Shtayeh, USAID Mission Director Howard Sumka, Ramallah Governor Layla Ghannam, and Al Taybeh Mayor Daoud Khoury, in addition to other mayors and Palestinian representatives.
USAID contributed over $3 million for this project, which was implemented in close cooperation with the Palestinian Authority. The project provided a total of 7.6 kilometers of new asphalt roads; sidewalks; and road safety features such as reflective pavement markers, and traffic signs. The new roads are safer for both drivers and pedestrians, and significantly improve the movement of people and commodities from one community to another.
USAID's projects are designed to reduce poverty, improve health and education, promote democracy and good governance, and strengthen the economy by improving services, creating jobs, and stimulating sustainable economic development. Since 1994, USAID has provided nearly USD 3 billion in U.S. economic assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
The ceremony in Al Taybeh marked the first completion of roads in 2010 under USAID's Infrastructure Needs Program, and signifies the commitment of the American people to help improve the well-being of the Palestinian people, and lay the foundations for the future Palestinian State. In 2009, USAID's infrastructure program created approximately 65 kilometers of paved roads in the West Bank and provided 140,000 person-days of employment for Palestinian men and women. In 2010, the USAID program plans to build an additional 180 kilometers of new roads and construct 23 water systems in the West Bank.
