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In Beitunia, France supports a major water infrastructure project and unveils a community-centered mural
Beitunia, April 8, 2025: The French Consul General in Jerusalem, Mr Nicolas Kassianides, inaugurated on April 8, 2025, a major water infrastructure project as well as a new artistic mural in the Palestinian city of Beitunia. This project, supported by the Consulate of France in Jerusalem, the French Agency for Development (AFD, Agence française de développement) and the Water Utility of Rennes basin (CEBR) , in partnership with the Municipality of Beitunia, embodies the longstanding French-Palestinian cooperation on access to water and sanitation in the Palestinian Territories, for the benefit of local populations. Through this endeavour, they also reaffirm their commitment to sustainable urban development and culture, ensuring that both infrastructure and community voices are at the heart of progress.
The event was attended by the Consul General of France in Jerusalem, Mr. Nicolas Kassianides; the Mayor of Beitunia, Mr. Shaker Doula; AFD Country Director, Mrs. Véronique Sauvat; and Artist Mr. Fuad Alymani.
A Long-Standing Partnership for Sustainable Water Management
Since 2017, the Cities of Rennes and Beitunia have worked together to improve water access and management in the Palestinian city. This partnership has led to critical improvements, including:
- 2017-2020: The extension of Beitunia’s water network by 12 kilometers, bringing water to previously unconnected households, and urgent renovations in the city center. Four water utility agents from Beitunia were trained in Rennes by Collectivité de l’Eau du Bassin Rennais.
- 2020-2024: Under the first AFD-funded project (through AFD facility dedicated to local authorities, named FICOL) (€848,180 total, including €317,306 from AFD), the collaboration continued with:
o The rehabilitation and reactivation of a 500 m³ municipal reservoir that had been non-operational for 15 years;
o The replacement of the main 3 km water supply line connected to the reservoir;
o A diagnostic study on wastewater management for the northern neighborhoods of Beitunia;
o Technical training programs in France and Palestine on leak detection, pipe installation, and site supervision; and knowledge-sharing sessions between local officials on governance, water policy, and tariff strategies.
A second phase of the project is now under development, aiming to further enhance Beitunia’s water infrastructure while integrating an initial wastewater collection network. This initiative will reinforce the municipality’s ability to deliver essential water and sanitation services, in coordination with Ramallah. The total budget for this new phase is €2,2 million with €1,5 million from AFD funding over a three-year period.
Art Meets Development: A Community-Centered Mural
Alongside these infrastructure improvements, the METIS fund, supported by AFD, has facilitated a unique artistic endeavor. Renowned Palestinian artist Fuad Alymani, in collaboration with students from Beitunia Girls' High School, has designed and painted a large-scale mural on the city’s reservoir and on the school wall.