The Gaza Municipality warned of the dire consequences of a severe shortage of oil, spare parts, and maintenance supplies needed to operate generators, machinery, and pumps. It emphasized that further equipment breakdowns threaten the continuity of essential services as winter approaches and the rainy season begins.
The municipality appealed to international and humanitarian organizations for urgent intervention to facilitate the entry of operating and maintenance supplies. It explained that the shortages directly impact the municipality’s ability to operate water and sewage pumps and utility generators, limiting its preparedness to respond to emergencies and meet the needs of residents.
The municipality indicated that continued equipment outages could lead to sewage overflows and rainwater accumulation, potentially flooding streets, residential areas, and shelters. It warned of serious health, environmental, and humanitarian repercussions that would exacerbate the suffering of citizens and displaced persons.
The municipality explained that water and sanitation facilities rely primarily on generators to operate wells, pumping stations, reservoirs, and treatment and drainage plants. It noted that operating this equipment for extended periods without regular maintenance or oil changes exposes it to serious mechanical failures that could lead to its complete shutdown.
The municipality emphasized that the ongoing shortage of oil, spare parts, and maintenance materials weakens its ability to maintain equipment readiness and cope with storms, especially given the need to operate pumps and generators continuously to drain rainwater and mitigate the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and displacement camps.
The Gaza Municipality called on international and humanitarian organizations to take immediate and sustained action to facilitate the entry of maintenance and operational supplies. This is crucial to ensure the continued functioning of vital facilities, protect streets, residential areas, and displacement camps from the dangers of flooding and pollution, and prevent any repercussions that threaten the health and safety of citizens.
