Health Crisis Looms as Sewage Water Overflows in Gaza
Gaza is facing a dire health crisis as sewage water, mixed with rainwater from recent storms, accumulates in Sheikh Radwan Pond, creating an environmental disaster for residents. Abu Khaled, a local resident, reveals the impact of this situation on his family’s health, suffering from diseases linked to the stagnant water and the proliferation of insects. This pond, the largest rainwater collection site in the eastern half of Gaza City, has transformed into a toxic pool due to the ongoing conflict.
The Director of Sanitation in the Gaza Municipality, Muhammad Al-Imam, states that the accumulation of wastewater is a direct result of the occupation targeting main pumping lines, leading to a 90% fill of the pond’s capacity with sewage. As winter approaches, fears of overflow and flooding have intensified among residents, with many describing the situation as a “nightmare.” Raed, another resident, expressed his terror at the thought of being inundated with sewage water during the rainy season, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Displaced individuals living in shelters near the pond are facing additional challenges. Yazan, a displaced person, lamented the psychological toll of their situation, stating that their worries seem never-ending. The accumulation of sewage just meters away from the school sheltering them poses a significant health risk, with residents fearing an epidemic if the situation persists. Youssef Ahmed, another displaced individual, conveyed his despair over the lack of safe shelter and the looming threat of overflowing sewage.
The Gaza Municipality is currently working to coordinate the urgent entry of materials needed to repair the main pumping line and empty the pond, a task that is expected to take three to four weeks. However, the municipality has received insufficient international assistance, with only minimal fuel supplies to operate the sewage pumps. Local institutions are warning that the sewage could leak into Gaza’s groundwater, a problem that may take years to rectify. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reports extensive damage to Gaza’s infrastructure, with 67% destroyed since the conflict escalated on October 7, exacerbating the already critical water crisis in the region.
