RAMALLAH, December 14, 2025 (WAFA) — The Palestinian government and the French Development Agency (AFD) on Sunday signed two financing agreements worth a total of €20 million to support strategic projects aimed at strengthening the wastewater sector, expanding water reuse, and advancing reforms to improve basic water services across Palestine.
The agreements were signed in Ramallah by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Stephan Salameh and AFD Regional Director for the Middle East Yves Guicquero, in the presence of Minister of Agriculture Rizq Salimia, Head of the Palestinian Water Authority Ziad Mimi, Water Sector Regulatory Council Chairman Nabil Dmeidi, Council CEO Engineer Mohammad Al-Hamidi, Head of the West Jenin Water Utility Nayef Khamaiseh, its Executive Director Munir Jaradat, and Head of Cooperation at the French Consulate General in Jerusalem Sébastien Mouzneron Dupin.
Salameh stressed the importance of the projects in improving water and sanitation services and enhancing the capacity of Palestinian institutions to manage resources efficiently. He said the agreements reflect the Palestinian government’s commitment to developing water infrastructure and promoting sustainable water resource management.
He added that investment in water governance and sanitation services is a cornerstone for strengthening resilience, protecting public health, and achieving sustainable development, noting that the support of France and Team Europe partners reinforces national efforts to advance institutional reforms and improve service quality, particularly in the most vulnerable areas.
Salimia emphasized the strategic importance of reusing treated wastewater in agriculture. He said the program represents a key pillar in building an integrated national framework for managing treated wastewater and linking it to agricultural reuse by strengthening the legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks, upgrading water facilities in five key areas, and supporting the establishment of water user associations.
Salimia explained that the program focuses on building the capacities of institutions working in wastewater treatment and reuse, improving coordination among stakeholders, and fostering knowledge and innovation in the field, in support of sustainable development and the safe use of non-conventional water resources in agriculture.
Mimi said the West Jenin project will constitute a qualitative addition to the wastewater sector through the establishment of an advanced central treatment plant capable of handling around 7,500 cubic meters of wastewater per day, equivalent to more than 2.7 million cubic meters annually. The treated water will meet Palestinian standards and will be suitable for safe agricultural reuse.
He noted that the project is expected to serve around 92,000 people by 2045, with the first phase focusing on five main communities. It will contribute to protecting groundwater resources, improving public health, strengthening water security, and supporting farmers in one of Palestine’s most important agricultural regions.
Guicquero affirmed that the agreements reflect France’s strong and sustained commitment to the Palestinian people and the institutions of the Palestinian state. He said Team Europe’s support combines backing for reforms that enhance sector resilience with investments that have a direct impact on the lives of local communities, particularly in the northern West Bank.
He added that the inclusion of an emergency response mechanism within the Tajdeed project represents a practical expression of solidarity and ensures continuity of vital services.
Under the first agreement, AFD will finance the Tajdeed project with €15 million to improve wastewater management and agricultural reuse in the West Jenin area. The project includes the construction of a modern treatment plant and the development of water and sanitation networks in five beneficiary villages, as well as specialized training programs for staff of the West Jenin Water Utility to ensure efficient operation of the new facility.
The project forms part of a broader program that includes contributions of €11.2 million from the German Development Bank KfW and €5.1 million from the European Union, bringing the total cost to €31.7 million over five years, implemented in partnership between the West Jenin Water Utility and the Palestinian Water Authority.
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