EU and UNICEF mark completion of first part of Gaza desalination plant

The construction phase of the project was launched with the laying of the first stone last March. Yesterday’s event marked the completion of an 18-km pipeline which will transfer 6,000 cubic meters of desalinated seawater from the plant to at least 35,000 Palestinians living in Khan Yunis, and 40,000 in Rafah, southern Gaza. "Nearly 95% of water in Gaza is considered unfit for human consumption," said EU Representative John Gatt-Rutter. “Enormous efforts are needed to ensure that Gazans can access fresh water.” The construction of the desalination plant and the procurement of water-treatment equipment will be completed in the coming months. The plant is expected to start operating by the end of the year.