Israeli Authorities M-I Israeli Authorities may disagree with WSS solutions proposed. The target communities are surrounded by Israeli settlements that do not have off-site wastewater treatment systems; Israeli settlements and Israeli communities within Israel may want access to treated wastewater for irrigation. Prior to project identification, FOEME has facilitated dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian local authorities to secure mutual agreement on the WSS services and wastewater treatment and reuse for Palestinians. Israeli Civil Authority has provided written confirmation that the project can move ahead. X X 2. Operating Environment Risks Country H In the absence of peace and reconciliation, the WB&G will not be able to recover both politically and economically. Lack of forward momentum on the political front may affect public support for the PA and thus affect Bank’s ability to operate in WB&G. Political tension within the West Bank and Gaza and with Israel could degenerate into violence. This would have serious Politics and governance: The stalled process hampers parts of the PA’s reform agenda and prospects for economic growth. Also, the current tensions in the region increase potential instability within the WB&G and with Israel. Despite a limited easing of the access and movement restrictions by Israel, the situation, particularly in Gaza, Reliance not only on PA institutions, but also on local communities, NGOs, local government, government utilities and public utilities. PWA representation in both Gaza and the West Bank provides institutional mechanism to address political issues within the sector. X X
consequences for the Bank’s projects. prevents private sector growth. The separation of Gaza and the tensions between the PA in the West Bank and the Hamas government in Gaza continue to impact the fabric of the Palestinian society. Society and security: Israel’s physical, administrative and regulatory restrictions in the West Bank and blockade of Gaza with sporadic military interventions heavily impact the PA’s ability to implement its national plans. Simple project design, with flexible implementation arrangements that take into account access and movement restrictions and can quickly adapt to changing circumstances on the ground. Security manager advising on security situation. New security systems (vehicle tracking system; armored vehicles) have been put in place to ensure staff safety. Coordinating with the Office of the Quartet Representative (OQR), and Israel on entrance of personnel and materials for project implementation. One member seconded to the OQR. Institutional (sector & multi-sector Level) M-I The water sector institutional reform process is still in process and institutional arrangements for rural WSS may change. Sector reforms may modify or eliminate the role of JSCs in provision of WSS services for rural communities and small towns. Sector reforms may prove difficult to operationalize due to political interference. Technical assistance and capacity building provided through the Water Sector Capacity Building Project to the PWA will ensure that pragmatic institutional arrangements for the sector evolve. Institutional arrangements for the SPF project will be assessed during the X X
supervision and SoE review. 4. Project Risks Design M-L Per capita cost of the project. The setting of the project – in five villages dispersed over hilly terrain – make per capita investment costs relatively high. Sanitation FS will carefully explore all options for wastewater management, including a series of localized treatment facilities and environmentally sound on-site management options. Economic benefits of wastewater reuse may favorably affect cost/benefit ratio. X Social & Environmental M-I Waste water reuse may pose environmental hazards. Land acquisition issues may delay or render project implementation difficult. FS will recommend a waste water reuse scheme, but treatment facilities may not provide sufficient effluent quality to ensure environmental safety and public health is protected. Parts of the project area may be culturally significant – parts of Battir village are a proposed Global Heritage site. Land may need to be acquired, and FS will recommend waste water management PA and Israeli waste water effluent standards will be carefully followed in the FS recommendations. Bank environmental and social safeguard policies will be strictly followed and necessary safeguards instruments prepared by the grantee. ESCHIA will be completed prior to grant signing. X X
Annex 7: Budget Annex 8: Background information on the Joint Service Council for Planning and Development (JSCPD) for West Bethlehem Background The JSCPD for West Bethlehem was established in March 2001 with technical assistance from the European Union. Its main purpose is to organize, manage and facilitate the planning and development of the southern and western area of Bethlehem Governorate. The JSCPD covers 19 village councils and serves about 60,000 inhabitants living in an area of about 120 square meters. The JSCPD bylaws have been approved by the Minister of Local Government. It recognizes the JSCPD as an independent, legal entity. The general assembly is composed of one representative from each of the nineteen village councils in the service area. The assembly members have equal voting power. They select nine members from the general assembly to act as the Administrative Board who supervise the work of the General Manager of the JSCPD. Institutional Framework The JSCPD has 9 employees (general manager, 3 engineers, accountant, administrative assistant, surveyor and 2 machinery drivers). The JSCPD organization structure includes the following departments: An Administrative and Financial Department An Engineering Department, with responsibility for supervising the implementation of engineering projects, reviewing building designs in the village councils and issuing building licenses. A Water and Wastewater Department, established in January 2011 that will plan and manage water supply and wastewater projects and services. The Italian Cooperation Program (Palestinian Municipal Support Program “PMSP”) implemented by the Ministry of Local Government (MLG) has supported the establishment of the Water and Wastewater Department (WWD) by purchasing essential furniture and office equipments, providing partial (30%)