Water sector strategy 2021–2023.

This Water Sector Strategy for 2021–2023 has been developed as part of the Palestinian government's national effort to implement new policies aimed at transforming the economy towards self-sufficiency across all sectors. This publication specifically addresses the water sector and is part of broader sectoral strategic plans designed to highlight, identify, and evaluate sectoral resources and needs at the national level. Prepared as a short-term plan in an interactive and participatory environment involving all stakeholders, these strategic plans establish the foundation for sound planning, leading to the identification of strategic sustainable development policies at both national and regional levels. The sectoral strategic plan serves as a reference to enhance development priorities, increasing the chances of successful plan implementation and contributing to the effective financing and execution of emerging projects.
The primary goals of water management are to: (i) manage, develop, and protect water sources and infrastructure in a fair, integrated, and sustainable manner; (ii) enhance the efficiency of service providers to safeguard the environment and achieve the development goals of Palestinian society; (iii) secure high-quality water for various uses and govern the water sector effectively; and (iv) build and develop the capacities of institutions working in the water sector. The technical team identified critical factors and priority issues that will guide the strategic framework for the water sector. These include: (i) integrated management and sustainable development of water resources in terms of quality and quantity, such as supporting national efforts to secure Palestinian water rights, enhancing both conventional and non-conventional water availability, and protecting water sources from pollution and depletion; (ii) enhancing the quality, reliability, and equitable distribution of water supply services, aiming to increase water supply to beneficiaries, ensure sustainable and reliable water supply from dependable sources, and improve the efficiency of water distribution systems; (iii) improving sanitation infrastructure and services, encompassing the protection of public health and the environment from pollution, enhancing wastewater system efficiency from collection to reuse, expanding the use of treated wastewater for irrigation, fostering private sector involvement, and promoting clean energy usage; (iv) developing and strengthening water sector institutions to foster good governance through a robust legal and institutional framework, including restructuring and establishing institutions in line with new Palestinian water laws, enhancing institutional capabilities across all functions, and modernizing water sector systems; and (v) ensuring the financial sustainability of water facilities and service providers, which involves bolstering the financial independence of utilities, improving revenue collection efficiency, managing public debt levels, implementing tariff regulations for financial viability, raising public awareness, and promoting the principle of rights and responsibilities in service payment. The Water Authority, as the regulatory body overseeing the water sector in the State of Palestine, holds overall responsibility for managing and overseeing the Plan's implementation. To facilitate this, it is advisable for the Water Authority to establish a national team dedicated to coordinating and monitoring the Plan's progress.