RAMALLAH, April 24, 2014 (WAFA) – State of Palestine and the World Bank signed an agreement on Thursday to implement the solid waste management project in the Gaza Strip, worth US $32 million, to be provided by the World Bank, the European Union, the French Agency for Development and the Kingdom of Sweden, in partnership with Palestine’s government.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Local Government, Sa’ed al-Kuni, Minister of Finance, Shukri Bushara and the World Bank country director in the West Bank and Gaza, Steen Jorgensen.

Al-Kuni said during the meeting, which was held in Ramallah in the presence of Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, the project aims to serve 750 residents of the Gaza Strip, which represents the actual starting of a project to improve solid waste management methods, as well as to adopt the best environmental practices.

He said the project is a clue that the Palestinian leadership is committed to facilitating the life of Gazans, who are encountering several environmental threats. He also expressed thanks to the donor countries supporting this project.

On the side of the World Bank, Jorgensen emphasized the commitment of the World Bank towards fully supporting the Palestinian government. He said the environment and service-oriented project would improve the lives of Gaza people and alleviate their suffering.

M.N./T.R.