Community participation and local regulations for sustainable sanitation and water reuse in Anza village, Palestine

Abstract

Free access to water and agricultural land, and sustainable sanitation can reduce food insecurity and enhance economic development in Palestine. This paper presents initial findings of an EU funded project to erect sustainable wastewater treatment and effluent recycling schemes for food security in Anza village. The project aimed at the erection of affordable and environmentally sound sanitation infrastructures considering community consultation and local regulatory rules. The feasibility study showed that low cost treatment options were neither sustainable nor cost effective compared with mechanised biological systems. Results of scoping sessions revealed that major stakeholders (village council members, women and farmers) are willing to accept and pay for environmentally sound and cost effective sanitation facilities. The study recommends the need for coordination between regulatory institutions, funding agencies and community to oversee and coordinate planning activities. Early community participation in the planning process facilitated proper technology selection considering the socio-political, financial and environmental aspects.