Flood Mitigation and Prevention - Installation of Stormwater and Upgrading Wastewater Networks at Al Shaymaa Area in Beit Lahia ltpgtAnera and its local partner, Beit Lahia Development Association (BLDA), will implement the project in coordination with the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA), the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU), and the WASH Cluster. The project responds to the WASH Cluster’s Strategic Objective 3: “Improve access to sanitation services and flood mitigation and prevention measures in the most vulnerable communities affected by wastewater flooding in Gaza through the installation/rehabilitation of sewer and stormwater pipes. (SO3).” The project will also respond to Strategic Objective 3: “Strengthen WASH preparedness and response capacity to the most vulnerable Palestinians, to reduce threats and cope with shocks .”ltbrgtlt/pgtltp dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2margin-top:0ptmargin-bottom:10pt"gtltspan style="text-decoration-color: initial"gtThe WASH sector in Gaza is one of the most severely deteriorated sectors. Over two million people face grave challenges and limited accessibility to WASH services at the community and household (HH) levels, which create serious environmental threats including health hazards and pollution. Anera’s 2023 HRP targeted Beit Lahia with stormwater interventions based on the WASH vulnerability map and the dire need for safe stormwater drainage within hot spots in Beit Lahia. Al Shaymaa neighborhood is considered one of the critical hot spots during winter, resulting in chronic floods that prevent residents from leaving their houses, students from reaching preparatory school, and patients from getting safe access to the main governmental health center which serves most of Beit Lahia’s population. Erosion and collapse in the existing road layers also leave farmers facing difficulties to reach their farms. lt/spangtlt/pgtltp dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2margin-top:0ptmargin-bottom:10pt"gtltspan style="text-decoration-color: initial"gtFurthermore, the existing wastewater pipeline has deteriorated. Some house connections have insufficient diameter size and some targeted HHs are not connected to the network and have to use cesspits. BLDA and Beit Lahia Municipality have reported frequent sewage floods caused by clogging in the existing pipeline. The rainwater mixes with sewage, collecting sand in the pipes which decreases the efficiency of the sewage network in the area. Moreover, many families confirmed cases of diseases among their children including skin diseases, diarrhea, worms, and infections.lt/spangtlt/pgtltp dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2margin-top:0ptmargin-bottom:10pt"gtltspan style="text-decoration-color: initial"gtIn February 2023, North Gaza experienced a winter storm with a total rainfall of 36 mm. This caused flooding in many areas in Beit Lahia, including Al Shaymaa. Through Anera’s emergency response program, the WASH team and BLDA supported 56 affected HHs with clothing vouchers, blankets, and dignity/hygiene kits. Moreover, in the last two years, lt/spangtltspan style="text-decoration-color: initial"gtAnera completed five stormwater projects with a total amount of $700,000 and is currently implementing a $300,000 flood prevention project in Jabalia. One of the recent interventions, rehabilitation of the Al Safa Water Well that is included in its 2023 HRP submission, was completed in February 2023.lt/spangtlt/pgtltp dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2margin-top:0ptmargin-bottom:10pt"gtThrough this project, Anera and BLDA will install a new stormwater network and upgrade the undersized wastewater pipeline with sufficient and sustainable UPVC pipes serving all the targeted HHs. The project will also protect the residents from the risk of future flooding and improve their access to health and educational institutions in the area. ltbrgtltbrgtOn September 12th, Anera conducted a proposal revision in response to cost savings achieved from contractor pricing. This revision included the addition of a new activity focused on upgrading the Al Shaymaa collection basin. This initiative came highly recommended by the WASH cluster and CMWU. The primary goal of this additional works is to enhance the stormwater management system in Beit Lahia and minimize the risk of flooding in the Al Shaymaa area and other nearby communities. The additional works for the basin includes excavation works and the installation of a protective galvanized steel fence. This proactive approach aligns with Anera's commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in these areas and safeguarding them from environmental challenges and climate change.ltbrgtlt/pgtltp class="sceditor-nlf"gtltbrgtlt/pgt