UNDP exploring cooperation with KFAED on infrastructure, housing projects in the Palestinian terriroty
KUWAIT: An agreement for a $1.3 million humanitarian project to provide clean drinking water to around 180,000 people in Gaza was signed Monday at the United Nations House in Kuwait. The project is a joint effort between Kuwait Society for Relief (KSR), Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society, Direct Aid Society and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The initiative will be implemented by the United Nations Development Program/Program of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP) and includes the installation of three mobile, solar-powered desalination units to support internally displaced people and communities affected by the crisis in southern Gaza.
The project comes in response to the severe disruption of water services caused by extensive damage to water infrastructure inflicted by the Zionist entity. It relies on renewable solar energy to deliver a rapid and sustainable solution to urgent humanitarian needs.
KSR Chairman Dr Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Saleh said the project, which is supported by the Ministry of Social Affairs, is fully funded through public donations. With Ramadan approaching, he said the society’s work will be fully focused on supporting Gaza. “All charitable societies here are driven by a shared purpose and are closely coordinated to support the people of Gaza,” Al-Saleh said.
He said KSR maintains a dedicated bank account and donation links exclusively for Gaza-related relief efforts. Jaco Cilliers, Special Representative of the Administrator of the UNDP Program of Assistance to the Palestinian People, highlighted the scope of UNDP’s operations in Gaza. “In Gaza, we have over 57 projects implemented by a large team. We have about 300 staff working in Palestine, including around 100 directly in Gaza,” he said.
He said UNDP’s work spans rubble removal, solid waste management, water trucking and water projects, as well as energy initiatives and support to health and education systems. Cilliers stressed that funding from Kuwaiti charities and philanthropies is particularly significant, as it reflects direct public support from the people of Kuwait for Gaza’s urgent needs.
“What UNDP is trying to do is connect these opportunities so that funding can go directly toward immediate needs in Gaza,” he said, describing the project’s funding as “incredibly important.” He also praised the role of Kuwaiti civil society, calling its contributions “very encouraging.”
Jamal Al-Nouri, Chairman of the Board of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charitable Society stressed that access to clean water represents a lifeline for thousands of affected families and displaced people in Gaza. Dr Abdullah Abdulrahman Al-Sumait, Director General of Direct Aid Society, said the project reflects the organization’s commitment to standing with the people of Gaza during the most difficult circumstances.
Cilliers also pointed to ongoing discussions with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. UNDP has previously partnered with the KFAED on projects such as the Khan Younis Waste Water Treatment Plant in 2019, and is now exploring cooperation in water desalination, housing, wastewater and infrastructure.
Describing recent meetings with both funds as “excellent,” Cilliers praised the strong commitment of the Kuwaiti people to supporting Palestinians. He acknowledged that conditions in Gaza remain extremely challenging but said UNDP continues to focus on early recovery efforts, including shelter, water, energy, hospitals and schools. “People in Gaza are exhausted,” he said. “They are looking for long-term peace and a ceasefire that can last, and the UN will support any mechanisms that help achieve that.”
