Siege prevents repair of sanitation system as thousands denied access to clean water

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10,000 people in Gaza have no access to water and an additional 60 per cent of the population have only limited access.

As a result of the near complete closure of Gaza's crossings since June 2007, equipment and supplies needed for the construction, maintenance and operation of water and sanitation facilities have been denied entry to Gaza. This has lead to the gradual deterioration of these essential services.

Merlin is highlighting the need for urgent action to address this growing water and sanitation crisis in Gaza, and has signed up to a joint United Nations statement with other humanitarian organisations to draw attention to the situation.

Laurent Viot, Merlin's Programme Manager for Asia and the Middle East, said:

Severe damage to water and sanitation structures is increasing the threat of waterborne disease, and the lack of construction materials means these structures cannot be repaired.

The United Nations has called for full and unrestricted access for spare parts and materials critically needed to restore Gaza's water and sanitation services.

"At the heart of this crisis is a steep decline in standards of living for the people of Gaza, characterised by erosion of livelihoods, destruction and degradation of basic infrastructure, and a marked downturn in the delivery and quality of vital services in health, water and sanitation," said Mr Maxwell Gaylard, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian Territories.

Destruction caused during the fighting in 2008/2009 exacerbated an already critical situation, leaving some services and facilities on the brink of collapse. Whilst some essential construction and repair items have been permitted to enter since then, this is nowhere near enough to restore a fully-functioning water and sanitation system for the people of Gaza.

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