Rehabilitation of Housing Units in East Jerusalem - Phase II

Palestine

This project is a continuation of the housing rehabilitation projected supported by OFID in 2014. It aims to improve the living conditions of marginalized and low income Palestinian families living in East Jerusalem and preserve their neighborhoods through enhanced access to adequate, affordable and safe housing solutions. Additionally, the project aims to contribute to the alleviation of economic burdens by supporting the rehabilitation of housing units and creating job opportunities, ultimately strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, safeguarding their existence and reinforcing the social capital and cohesion. It is expected that a total of 60 low income families in East Jerusalem representing around 450 persons will directly benefit from this intervention. The Project has been successfully completed with the following major achievements: - On-site socio-economic assessment conducted for more than 110 poor and low-income families in the old city of Jerusalem and its surroundings, with emphasis on Silwan, Al Bustan and Wadi Helweh. - 61 contracts with eligible beneficiaries were signed in line with the Self Help modality. - Rehabilitation of 61 houses completed (exceeded target). - Overall, 4 visibility actions were implemented, including the support to the 1st Silwan Spring Festival and 3 community mobilization activities. The project was impacted by the following restrictions during its implementation period: - Measures and restrictions imposed by the Israeli Antiquities Authorities. - Access restrictions: closures, lack of movement, restriction on staff, workers and materials by the Israeli Authorities. - Limited number of Palestinian contractors specialized in renovation of houses in the Old City of Jerusalem. - Difficulties in obtaining the required ownership documents from Beneficiaries. - Changes of rehabilitation requirements by the Beneficiaries during the implementation of the works.