Overflowing Sewage and Waste
From polluted beaches in Gaza to overcrowded refugee camps in Lebanon, a lack of working sewage and sanitation systems poses a dangerous threat to the health of families and the environment.
During the winter, septic tanks overflow and sewage mixes with rain, flooding streets and homes. And in the summer, the rancid smell attracts flies and keeps kids from playing outside and mothers from opening their windows. Infection is common due to the pollution. In fact, 26% of diseases in Gaza are related to dirty water. In Lebanon, chronic disease is on the rise in refugee camps as heaps of garbage grow.
Responding to the Palestine Sewage Crisis
In the West Bank and Gaza, Anera engineers design and implement sewage systems, waste treatment facilities and storm drainage networks to keep families healthy and neighborhoods clean.
Across Palestine, we connect homes to public sanitation networks and make sure schools and health centers are equipped with clean toilets and washrooms.
In the aftermath of the 2014 war in Gaza, our staff was ready to get to work immediately to reconstruct Gaza sewage networks that had been damaged by bombs in Beit Hanoun, Shejaiya, Bureij and Khan Younis.
In West Bank towns, we’re connecting hundreds of families to sewage networks for the first time. Instead of spending their modest incomes on emptying cesspits, Palestinian families are now able to invest that extra income in educating their children or growing their farms. Women who once spent hours every day cleaning their flooding homes now have time to spend with their families, relax or work outside the home.
Improving Refugee Camp Sanitation
Anera has developed a creative approach to address the trash crisis in northern Lebanon.
In Nahr El Bared refugee camp and in the Mashaa municipality, we’re spearheading a community-based intervention in which youths take the lead. Through cleaning and recycling campaigns, training for sanitation staff and the creation of a new sorting facility, we’re creating a cleaner environment for 13,000 members of the community.
How It Works
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Assessment
Conduct an assessment of locations in North Lebanon to determine need and feasibility of project.
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Selection
Select communities to serve as "model neighborhoods" in pilot project.
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Form Committees
Form youth-led committees to spread awareness and teach about recycling.
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Infrastructure
Build new sorting facility and equip building and staff with proper tools. -
Household Bins
Provide bins for all households in the selected neighborhoods.
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Sort Waste
Mobilize residents to sort waste at home and donate materials to local recyclers.
