LOC20:39
17:39 GMT
GAZA, Sept 25 (KUNA) -- The State of Qatar started projects costing USD 254
million to rehabilitate the infrastructure of Gaza Strip which was hit hard by
the 22-day Israeli war on Gaza in the winter of 2008-09, a Qatari official
said here on Tuesday.
Under instructions of Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, a
joint commission was formed by the Qatari Foreign Ministry and the Hamas-led
Palestinian government in Gaza to implement the projects, head of visiting
Qatari delegation Ambassador Mohammad Al-Emadi said.
He made the remarks in a joint press conference with Palestinian Prime
Minister in Gaza Ismail Haniyyeh.
"The funds will be used to rehabilitate roads, namely Salah-Eddin
International Road (42 km), Al-Sahel Road on the Mediterranean coastline in
west Gaza, the Eastern Road between Karm Abu Salem in the south to north Gaza.
"They will be also channeled to the construction of Sheikh Hamad City, an
ambitious housing project which costs up to USD 500 million" he revealed.
"The commission started contracting efficient Palestinian cadres and
companies to develop the projects," Ambassador Al-Emadi affirmed.
The projects will employ up to 10,000 workers and take two - three years to
complete, he expects.
"Qatar's support to the Palestinian people stems from a humanitarian and
religious responsibility for siding with oppressed people," he noted.
Meanwhile, Haniyyeh welcomed the visit of the delegation to Gaza as a
manifestation of the supportive stance of the Qatari people and leaders
towards the Palestinian people particularly those in the besieged strip.
"The remarks of Ambassador Mohammad Al-Emadi provide relief for us and
herald great advancement in the post-war rehabilitation efforts in Gaza Strip,
" he said, noting that the projects will help curbing the unemployment problem.
The Prime Minister promised that his government would do its utmost to
facilitate the construction of the projects which will developed under Qatari
supervision.
He called on all Arab and Muslim nations, particularly Egypt, to contribute
to the rehabilitation of Gaza. (end)
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