Military checkpoint and roadblocs impedes development of several aid projects in Beit Fourik

Friday August 17, 2007 11:55 by Ameen Abu Wardeh - IMEMC News

Interview with the head of the village council Abd Al-Basit Hannini

The military checkpoint at the entrance to Beit Fourik, erected in 2001, is hindering any progress of several aid projects, Abd Al-Basit Hannini, the Mayor of the village, has said.

Mayor of Beit Furik, Mr. Abd Al-Basit Hannini

He stated that during the last two years the checkpoint has made the continuation of work by existing aid projects impossible. These projects have previously been responsible for several developments in the town, including the foundation of a high school and a children's playground. The projects have also provided services that include dam reinforcement, the rehabilitation of Palestinians, re-surfacing of streets and reinstatement of electricity.

In addition to this, the town had previously been able to establish good relations with surrounding civil and legal organizations in order to expose illegal Israeli practices in the area.

In an interview, Mr. Hannini expressed great concern regarding the impact of the checkpoint, focusing upon the progress of the village and future aspirations, under the following headings.

Existing projects and plans for the foreseeable future

In addition to the foundation of a high school, children's playground, dam reinforcement, waste disposal, drainage systems and rehabilitation of Palestinians, the village hopes to see many more projects, the most significant of which will involve the village's water. This initiative will see the creation of a water storage facility, holding up to 1000m3 of water. The village also hopes to see a municipal transmission line, and the establishment of an internal network. These are only a few of the plans we currently have for the village.

Progress of the Village over the past two years

Despite the number of difficulties and changes the village has endured over the past few years, the people are whole-heartedly devoted to their village, work and community spirit. Since the local council secured the reins of power over several local issues, the thoughts and feelings of the residents have now become more significant, encouraging more participatory behavior in local decisions and plans for the future. An increased number of meetings between officials and locals have resulted in greater consideration of their views regarding village life. Regardless of the many difficult and exhausting restrictions they face, the people as a whole are determined to change the worst of situations into something positive.

Obstacles faced by residents of the town

The obstacles facing the residents are numerous and debilitating. The main issue facing our people is that their aspirations are far beyond their capabilities, due to the restrictions they endure. Perhaps the most difficult of these obstacles is the lack of executive authority, governing over and implementing the decisions and laws of the people. This is of course due to the allocation of the village under zone 'b' which does not fall within the Palestinian Authority's jurisdiction.

Effect of the restrictions on existing projects

Evidently the checkpoint is the most destructive of the restrictions. It prevents not only the freedom of local residents to travel to other towns and villages, it also prohibits various important organizations from entering. This is rendering the village incapable of any form of progress.

Effect of monetary blockade on the village

Without a doubt, the monetary blockade has hit the village hard. Due to political reasons, funds received from USAID have been stopped, which has consequently damaged prospects for the local high school, whilst also delaying the development of a water network.

The community's role in developing the village

Whilst we had maintained good relations with outside organizations, and in doing so, raised awareness of the Palestinian cause, the difficulties we face have thwarted any further developments. In addition to this, the presence of settlers has resulted in an increased amount of abuse to local land and agriculture. Despite all of this, the Fouriki people, as a whole, are co-operative and hope to preserve their achievements. Although we encounter difficulties here and there, we must aim to deal with them with common sense and patience, tools which have helped us to overcome our problems thus far.

Translated by: Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC

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