Applying Public-Private Partnership in the Palestinian Water and Wastewater Large-Scale Projects

Abstract

Background: The Palestinian water and wastewater sector is suffering from inadequate clean water and wastewater service provision. Public Private Partnership (PPP) may present a successful framework that can be utilized to improve the water and wastewater services in Palestine. The purpose of this research is to explore the attraction and success factors for applying the PPP model in the water and wastewater sector in Palestine and to explore the obstacles that may hinder its application. Moreover, this study aims to determine the main characteristics of the environment that would enable an effective implementation of the PPP model in the mentioned sector in Palestine. Method: A questionnaire survey was utilized to collect the facts, perceptive, and attitudes of the respondents who were qualified experts with more than 15 years of experience in the field of water and wastewater projects in Gaza and the West Bank and having PPP knowledge and understanding. Results: This study has determined the attraction and success factors for applying a PPP model in the water and wastewater sector in Palestine and the obstacles that may constrain its application. Additionally, this study has determined the main features of the enabling environment that would support the success of the PPP model application in the mentioned sector. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) is not yet ready to implement largescale PPP projects. Thus, it is recommended that the PWA should take action, based on the findings of this study, to bridge the existing gaps for enabling a successful PPP in the water and wastewater sector in Palestine.