Safe Water in Eastern Gaza
200 schoolchildren, thousands of patients and over 500 congregants of a local mosque in remote areas of Eastern Gaza have gained access to safe water. All thanks to our safe water dispensers gifted by MGR donors.
GENERAL
When we think of countries most affected by the water crisis, we think of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. But safe water is a scarcity in the Gaza strip, where an estimated 95% of drinking water doesn’t meet WHO standards. Consuming tap water in Gaza, exposes people to water borne diseases like diarrhoea, parasitic infection, and blue-baby syndrome. In fact, a UNICEF report stated that 26% of diseases in Gaza are caused by contaminated drinking water. But this report was released in 2010. Seven years on, the situation is even more dire.
MGR is working to tackle the water crisis in Gaza by targeting affected communities through small-scale water projects. Communities like those based in Al-Toffah, Eastern Gaza, where we’ve installed a large water dispenser at the local hospital. Hayfa Care Medical Centre serves over 5000 people – patients and their families, weekly.
MGR installed a second water dispenser at Brainy Bunch Kindergarten – located in a remote and underprivileged area of Eastern Gaza. The school is attended by some 200 local children whose families continue to tackle the worsening water crisis. The dispenser will also provide for local families (of students), visitors as well as school staff.
A third water dispenser was installed at a local mosque, the Central Masjid at Eastern Gaza, where community members congregate to meet and pray. It is estimated that the mosque is frequented by 300 people per day. Strategically located, it is within easy access to those in need within the local community.
The dispensers are filled daily with fresh water from a local, micro-desalination plant and delivered by tankers. The dispensers have a cooling system that runs on electricity, and have a very low maintenance cost.