SALFIT, July 16, 2026 (WAFA) – A project to develop and operate Salfit Municipality Park was launched today at a cost of NIS 573,000, funded by VNG International, the international cooperation agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), with contributions from Salfit Municipality and a private renewable energy investment company, as part of efforts to promote local economic development and in partnership with the private sector.

The project was inaugurated by Salfit Governor Mustafa Taqatqa, Minister of Local Government Sami Hijjawi, Netherlands Representative to Palestine Michel Rentenaar, and Salfit Mayor Diaa Bani Nimra during a ceremony held by the municipality on Thursday.

The ceremony was attended by Director of the VNG International Palestine Program Bashar Jumaa, along with local officials, public figures and security officials.

Salfit Governor said municipal and village councils constitute the first line of defense in providing basic services to citizens and serve as key partners in strengthening the steadfastness of residents of the governorate, despite the challenges posed by Israeli occupation practices and limited resources.

For his part, the Minister of Local Government stressed that the ministry continues its efforts to mobilize additional funding for local authorities, noting that he recently approved additional allocations worth €7 million under the fourth phase of the Municipal Development and Lending Fund program, part of its second cycle.

He added that allocations from Arab and Islamic funds for the Palestinian government are expected to increase, benefiting local authorities, alongside the community recovery and job creation program, which has contributed to employing nearly 6,000 workers across the occupied West Bank.

T.R.