Bethlehem Municipality Signs Agreement with Italian ACS to Enhance Environmental Sustainability and Solid Waste Management

Bethlehem Municipality signed a cooperation agreement with the Italian Association for Cooperation and Solidarity (ACS) to implement activities under the “Greening the Future” project, No. AID 011957/01/3, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The agreement was signed during a meeting held in Amman, Jordan, attended by Bethlehem Mayor Mr. Hanna Hanania, Director of the Planning and Projects Department Eng. Ziad Al-Sayeh, and representatives of the Italian organization.

The project aims to promote environmental sustainability, develop essential services, and improve the efficiency of solid waste management by strengthening the Municipality’s technical and operational capacities, improving resource management, and encouraging sustainable environmental practices. Project activities include the provision of a waste collection and compactor truck with a capacity of 21 cubic meters, contributing to more efficient waste collection and transportation.

During the meeting, participants discussed the provisions of the agreement and mechanisms for implementing its activities, with particular emphasis on developing the solid waste management system. Discussions also highlighted the Municipality’s efforts to separate cardboard and paper from organic waste at the source, promote recycling, and make better use of recyclable materials. These measures aim to reduce the volume of waste transported to landfills, alleviate the Municipality’s operational and financial burdens, and protect the environment and public health.

Mayor Hanania emphasized the importance of this partnership amid the difficult economic and financial circumstances facing Bethlehem and the challenges they pose to the continuity of municipal services. He stressed the need to invest in sustainable environmental projects, provide modern equipment, and improve operational practices to enhance service quality, reduce expenditures, and strengthen the city's ability to address current challenges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Hanania expressed his appreciation to ACS and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation for their support. He reaffirmed Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships and implementing development and environmental projects that improve quality of life, strengthen the city's resilience, and build a cleaner and more sustainable future for Bethlehem and its residents.