06 November 2014

In a step towards mechanizing the collection and disposal of solid
waste, the Director of UNRWA Operations in Jordan, Roger Davies, has
launched seven mini-compactors in Marka and Zarka camps. This pilot
initiative aims at improving waste management in both camps, where it
is currently conducted manually by sanitation laborers using
wheelbarrows in Marka camp and hand carts in Zarka camp.

Speaking at a launch ceremony, Mr. Davies said: “This new method of
collecting and disposing of solid waste has multiple benefits. It
solves the issue of waste collection points in Marka camp, and reduces
the health risks to the laborers who manually haul the waste long
distances in both camps. It will result in substantial savings in the
solid waste management budget.”

The launch ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Russaifeh
Municipality Osama Haymoor, Department of Palestinian Affairs
representative and Chair of the Camp Services Committee Khalaf
Deghdashi, local community members and officials from the Government
of Jordan and UNRWA.

Mr. Haymoor said he appreciated continuous UNRWA efforts to improve
the services provided to Palestine refugees in camps. He stressed the
municipality’s willingness to facilitate UNRWA work in Marka camp,
saying: “The solid waste management agreement between the municipality
and UNRWA was concluded for 2014 at a rate that is close to cost
price, in support of UNRWA and Palestine refugees in Jordan.”

Representing the Government of Jordan, Mr. Deghdashi reiterated the
government’s support to Palestine refugees in the Kingdom. He said:
“The Camp Services Committee is keen to continue cooperation and
coordination with the Agency concerning all issues inside Marka camp.
UNRWA is a major partner with which we work together on daily basis to
improve the living conditions of Palestine refugees inside the camp.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly
in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a
population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its
mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West
Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human
development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services
encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp
infrastructure and improvement, and microfinance.

Financial support to UNRWA has not kept pace with an increased demand
for services caused by growing numbers of registered refugees,
expanding need, and deepening poverty. As a result, the Agency’s
General Fund (GF), supporting UNRWA’s core activities and 97 per cent
reliant on voluntary contributions, has begun each year with a large
projected deficit. Currently the deficit stands at US$ 56 million.

For more information, please contact:

Anwar Abu-Sakieneh
Public Information Officer – Jordan Field Office
Mobile:
+962 (0) 79 5671 888
Office:
+962 (0) 79 5671 888
a.abu-sakieneh@unrwa.org