Khaled Osaily. خالد العسيلي رئيس بلدية الخيل السابق خالد العسيلي
His Excellency the Prime Minister, Dr. Salam Fayyad, described Hebron as the pioneer of innovative projects, a modern role model to be followed by other governorates, and a true example of the practical steps towards an institutional State capable of effectively providing its citizens with the services needed for a free dignified life once the occupation is over, which is the primary goal on the Government’s list of projects.
He affirmed that the Palestinian government had promised to implement one thousand development projects in Palestinian governorates, and has kept its promise. It is endeavoring to achieve the next one thousand projects, now that nearly 900 new projects have already been realized during the present year, and the rest would be implemented by year-end.
Fayyad’s declaration came during the inauguration ceremony of the Remote Control System for the Hebron Water Network, which is unique in Palestine. It was implemented through UNDP, and financed by the Italian government which donated approx 1.4 million dollars, while Hebron municipality contributed approx $100,000.
Fayyad praised the municipality for its efforts and declared that this pioneering project is not the first for Hebron’s municipal team. It is one in a series of pioneering projects which will no doubt continue in the future. He expressed pride in the city’s accomplishments and promised that other similar quality projects will be implemented in other governorates.
Regarding the water problem, Fayyad said that the Palestinian government was working hard to put an end to the critical conjuncture suffered by Hebron. He considered that control and development of capabilities to optimally exploit available resources using modern technology, as is the case for this project, constituted a new start towards enhancing service levels and achieving high quality.
Hebron Mayor, Mr. Khaled Osaily, had inaugurated the ceremony by welcoming the Prime Minister and thanking President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian government for supporting Hebron, keeping abreast of its projects and caring for its people. He also thanked the Italian government and people for their support of the project and UNDP which contributed to the achievement of the System.
In his speech, Osaily said that this project was vital and distinctive in Palestine. It reflected the level of development attained in ICT system applications for the provision of vital water services, especially in Hebron where water shortages are severe and water sources scarce. A sound administration of water distribution services is a guarantee of equality and a means to reduce water losses. One should also note the socioeconomic revenues achieved thanks to this technology, which will hopefully spread to other Palestinian cities.
He further expressed appreciation and thanks to those who played a role in achieving this project and making it a reality, i.e. the Italian government which financed the project and UNDP which was in charge of its implementation. He reiterated that a joint engineering team – from Italy, UNDP, Hebron Municipality and the executing company – designed and executed the project for a total cost of US$1,670,000 donated by the Italian government, in addition to a $60,000-contribution by UNDP and US$100,000 invested by Hebron Municipality in the required structural works.
Then, Italy’s Consul General, Mr. Luciano Pezzotti, took the stand and expressed his happiness to see the project’s inauguration and to witness the success of the joint cooperation with Hebron Municipality. He also underlined the depth of the relationship between the Italian and Palestinian governments and peoples, thanking the Prime Minister for his presence and his support of common projects.
Another speaker during the ceremony was UNDP representative, Mr. Timothy Rothermel, who explained, in detail, the progress of the project, underscoring the Program’s support of the Palestinian government’s policies. He expressed thanks to all those who contributed to the project’s success and promised to implement more basic and vital projects in the Palestinian territory.
In his word, Hebron Governor, Mr. Kamel Hamid, addressed the Israelis saying: “We challenge you with technological and computer advancement. We are building ourselves while you are building roadblocks and setting up obstacles. Our victory will be through knowledge and science, a path which we have chosen to freedom.”
Following that, participants – including Local Governance Minister Mr. Khaled Al Qawasmi, the Governorate Police Director, the Commander of the Hebron region, the heads of security apparatuses, the directors of government departments, and a number of official personalities – toured the project sections after the Prime Minister and the Hebron Mayor cut the ribbon and announced the official start of operation. The Director of Hebron Municipality’s Water Department, Mr. Imad Al-Zir, presented the visitors with a detailed explanation of operation mechanisms and of the project’s expected interest.
Later on, Osaily accompanied the Prime Minister on a tour in the Singer Cultural Center Project, which was financed by the Korean government, as well as the central vehicle parking, Al Salam Garden and the Child Happiness Center.
