13 January 2009
The water situation in Gaza is dire. Those who have any water in their tanks are trying to save as much as possible. Others have had their tanks destroyed by the bombing and shooting.
Most homes in Rafah, Khan Younis and in the middle and northern areas of Gaza have almost no water or electricity. Eighty percent of people in Gaza are considered poor and therefore can’t afford to buy water.
Only today my colleague, Diya Skaik, returned to his home which he had left ten days ago due to the bombing. “The water tank which is the only source of water for my small family is crushed. I went to the roof and just had a glance. I had to leave the place quickly as it is too dangerous to be there," he told me.
My father had a feeling something may happen a few months ago and bought larger water tanks to save more water. However the water that we have is almost finished. This is despite the fact that we have cut our usage down to the bare minimum.
This water shortage in the Gaza Strip is causing health and environmental problems. Only a few months ago Islamic Relief provided Gaza’s water pump station with spare parts – the system was already feeling the strain during the siege of the last 18 months.
Today we provided eight shelters in Gaza with drinking water for those displaced by the bombing – many of the shelters have no access to clean water. We provided each person with 20 litres of water. No doubt, after the fighting is over, we are going to see vast amounts of damage to houses and the water tanks on the roofs.
As aid workers we have to react to what is happening around us – however we also have to remember what is going to be needed after the bombing and shelling stops. It seems in Gaza the needs never end.