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A silent threat: Gaza’s struggle with solid waste management

March 28^th, 2024

ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS

The war in Gaza led to a dire humanitarian condition, profoundly affecting the lives of its 2.2 million people – loss of life, property and desperate need of food, dignified shelter and medical care.

More than 1.7 million Palestinians, forced to flee their homes in the north to seek refuge in the south, in addition to waves of displacement in the southern governorates, are living in makeshift tents or temporary shelters amidst heaps of uncollected waste, aggravating a looming environmental and public health crisis. The issue of solid waste management has become an urgent need in Gaza, requiring immediate support and solutions.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recognizes the gravity of the solid waste crisis as one reflection of the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Before the war, UNDP had outlined a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable waste management in Gaza, emphasizing the transition to a circular economy model. However, with the start of the war, priorities have shifted towards urgent humanitarian assistance.

A silent threat: Gaza’s struggle with solid waste management

Ahmed Dawoud, an internally displaced Gazan who fled from Gaza City to Rafah City and now resides in a tent, sought refuge to escape death and horror. However, he faced a grim reality. "Upon our arrival, we erected our tent. Yet, before long, solid waste began accumulating around us, rendering our living conditions unbearable," says Mr. Dawoud.

He further explains, "I occasionally attempt to clean the waste myself, but others continue to discard solid waste since there are no nearby containers. My family already suffered injuries while we were in Gaza City, particularly my wife, who underwent spleen removal surgery. Subsequently, her health declined, and her immunity weakened significantly. Recently, my wife fell critically ill, requiring hospitalization due to stomach pains and external bleeding. The doctors attributed her illness to the pollution and waste surrounding her, indicating a bacterial infection, and emphasized the urgent need for advanced medical care."

Even before the war, Gaza grappled with waste management issues, generating a staggering 1,700 tons of waste daily with only two main landfills to absorb the quantity. Before the war, for example, 3.9 million tons of waste were disposed at the main Johr Edeek landfill in the north; 20-35 metres of waste were piled above the ground. It has been operating beyond its capacity for years, with frequent fires due to lack of resources, and growing concerns regarding the negative environmental, health and social impacts.

In Gaza Strip in general, the number of vehicles for solid waste collection decreased from 112 to 73 between 2017 and 2022; the majority were old and insufficient in terms of quality and quantity to address the needs, with one collection vehicle serving 21,000 inhabitants and one collection worker serving 3,343 inhabitants.

The war has inflicted further devastation, crippled vital waste collection infrastructure and exacerbating an already dire situation. The destruction of waste collection vehicles, facilities, and medical waste treatment centres has left municipalities scrambling to cope with the escalating crisis.

In a collaborative effort between UNDP and UNRWA, a critical initiative has been launched to support the Joint Service Council for solid waste management (JSC-KRM) in the southern governorates of Rafah, Khan Yunis and the Middle Area. This partnership involves UNDP-monitored distribution of fuel and the deployment of workers to oversee waste collection operations.

Over the initial two-month period from January to February 2024, approximately 10,000 tons of waste were successfully collected from Rafah and Khan Yunis. This initiative has contributed to mitigating environmental hazards and played a pivotal role in addressing a public health concern within southern Gaza communities.

By addressing the immediate needs related to solid waste management, UNDP aims to not only respond to urgent humanitarian needs but also lay the groundwork for longer-term recovery and resilience. By aligning our work with the humanitarian-development nexus approach, we can forge a path towards lasting solutions in Gaza.

Tareq Al-Habbash, the Executive Director of JSC-KRM, noted: “Following the mass displacement of population to the southern and central areas of the strip, coupled with fuel limitations and the dumping of solid waste in random sites, operational challenges escalated.”

"Prior to the war, the southern governorates of Gaza generated 600 tons of waste per day, destined for the Al Fukhari landfill. Presently, daily waste generation has soared to 1400 tons, exceeding JSC's capacity. Consequently, we have implemented two waste collection shifts per day, including collection both in the morning and in the evening," he continued.

"However, fuel availability became a significant obstacle, leading to the cancellation of night shifts on several occasions. The fuel provided by UNDP has empowered us to operate at full capacity, thereby mitigating the public health challenges and the environmental impact of the solid waste crisis."

Financial constraints are hampering JSC’s work, rendering them unable to cover maintenance costs, operational expenses and worker salaries. This predicament is exacerbated by the severe humanitarian situation, wherein people are in dire need of assistance. Moreover, logistical limitations pose significant challenges.

"The destruction of JSC’s facilities, including the main building, maintenance workshop and storage rooms, has further compounded our difficulties. Our inability to access the Al Fukhari landfill for waste transfer, coupled with the destruction of numerous containers, has resulted in the emergence of additional random dumping sites. Consequently, JSC is unable to implement secondary collection methods and is compelled to rely on primary methods, which are more time-consuming and labour-intensive," said Al-Habbash.

"With our ongoing efforts and having access to much needed fuel, we can now operate in two shifts, enabling us to collect solid waste and enhance street cleanliness and air quality. This, in turn, safeguards public health and mitigates the environmental impacts of the war. However, there is still a need for JSC to deploy more vehicles and install metal containers in random sites to expand our collection efforts," said Al-Habbash.

Among the young workers is Akaram Abu Dab’an, a mathematics graduate who has never been involved in a cash-for-work programme. His role involves monitoring and refueling waste collection vehicles.

"I am immensely thankful to be part of this process," Akaram Abu Dab’an said. "Through my responsibilities, I ensure diligent monitoring of fuel levels, recording both intake and usage in the morning and evening, along with noting vehicle information. This opportunity is not only meaningful employment for me but also a chance to contribute to my community during these challenging times. I am proud to be making a difference."

UNDP is also working on the employment of 217 workers to support the JSCs in the primary collection, separation and transfer of waste to the temporary dumping sites.

Moreover, UNDP plans to engage the private sector to supplement ongoing waste collection efforts and ensure operational efficiency. This comprehensive approach includes the removal of temporary dumping sites, expansion of waste collection and maintenance of landfills.

Amidst the visible impacts and losses of war lie hidden repercussions – ones that may prove fatal in the future.

"If the issue of solid waste, including medical waste, is not adequately addressed and resolved, it will exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip," warns UNDP. "It will severely impact public health, particularly with limited access to healthcare services. Moreover, it will contaminate agricultural lands and the aquifer as pollutants seep into the soil. We must take decisive steps to avert the long-term consequences, and we are committed to doing so."