During an extensive meeting at Hebron Municipality, Hebron Mayor Khaled Osaily briefed Dr. Khaled Al Kawasmi, Palestinian Minister of Local Government, on achievements realized and difficulties faced by the municipality. The meeting was attended by a team from the Ministry as well as by Municipal Council members and senior municipal employees. It tackled a number of issues, mainly the need for new classrooms to respond to the continuous increase in student numbers in the Governorate.

Minister Al Kawasmi underlined the importance of putting an end to double-shift schooling in Hebron, a practice that only exists in this Governorate. Double-shift schooling is a burden for all those concerned and negatively impacts school achievements, he said, adding that continuous coordination is needed between the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Education and Hebron Municipality in order to put an end to this practice.

Speaking in the same vein, mayor Osaily said the municipality is working relentlessly to mobilize funding for new schools and classrooms and has indeed purchased land and earmarked it for the construction of new schools. During the past year, a number of schools were built throughout the city. However, due to the continuous growth in student numbers, more schools are still needed. Osaily said that the only way to put an end to double-shift schooling is through cooperation between all relevant parties, support from the Palestinian government and assistance from eminent personalities, citizens and generous people in order to settle this issue and provide a sound educational environment for our children.

A number of additional matters were discussed during the meeting including health issues, the fruit and vegetable market as well as the solid waste project, achievements on the ground and benefits to be reaped once the project is finalized.

Concerning the water crisis in Hebron, Al Kawasmi affirmed that the government is making efforts and following up on this matter with a view to increasing water quantities allocated to Hebron in order to end the crisis and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians. Mayor Osaily stressed the importance of implementing water-recycling projects, re-using industrial water to provide additional water quantities, and preparing for future years as current conditions indicate that water shortages will continue.

At the end of the meeting, all parties underlined the importance of coordination and joint action between official and popular organs in order to develop the city and improve the life of its inhabitants.