Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip: Water and sanitation infrastructures and services, a synthetic scenario

Abstract

This document presents a structured, three-phase strategic framework developed by Acquedotto Pugliese for the reconstruction of the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector in the Gaza Strip. The WASH system—encompassing Water supply, Sanitation (sewage and waste management), and Hygiene promotion—is a foundational pillar of public health and human dignity. Its near-total collapse in Gaza has created a dire humanitarian crisis.

The proposed methodology moves from an Emergency Phase—focused on rapid, temporary solutions like mobile desalination units, water trucking, and emergency sanitation to ensure survival and contain immediate public health risks—through a Stabilization and Rehabilitation Phase aimed at restoring minimum operational capacity, rehabilitating partially damaged networks, and building local technical skills via dedicated Workshop Areas. The final Reconstruction Phase adopts a long-term, systemic perspective, focusing on building a new, resilient, and efficient WASH system through the construction of modern infrastructure (e.g., desalination plants, advanced wastewater treatment), the integration of digital monitoring and smart control systems, and the implementation of certified quality management protocols.

The overarching goal of this phased approach is to transition from emergency response to the establishment of an autonomous, sustainable, and resilient water and sanitation system that not only restores services but also improves upon pre-conflict conditions, ensuring public health, environmental protection, and long-term community resilience.