Monthly Progress Report No. 06

The project aims to install a new 300mm, 250mm, 200mm, and 100mm diameter main transmission pipeline approximately 9.14 kilometers long to supply potable water to the towns of Nahaleen, Wadi Fukin, Husan, and Battir. The project scope includes installing approximately 7.24 km of local network connections for Nahaleen, Husan, and Battir, as well as upgrading a total of 9.5 kilometers of existing roads within the project area. The project is being implemented by APCO/ArCon, a contractor hired by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with a contract value of $12,214,885.00. As of April 30, 2014, the project has achieved an actual percentage of completion of 5.73%, which is lower than the planned percentage of completion of 15.3%. The project is expected to be completed by April 29, 2015. Safety is a critical aspect of the project, and during the reporting period, one accident was reported, but no serious injuries were sustained. The contractor conducted two safety toolbox talks for subcontractor labors and staff, focusing on safety stairway landings, ramps, and walkways, as well as hearing protection and personal protective equipment. Environmental mitigation measures were implemented during the reporting period, including public and labor health and safety, dust control, and traffic control. A monthly environmental check was performed, and a checklist was issued by the CMC, which was addressed by the contractor. Traffic control measures were also implemented, including conditional written approval from the DCL for traffic control plans in segment D and segment A. However, the contractor encountered challenges in implementing the traffic plan for segment B, which was rejected by the DCL, and is working on a modified traffic plan for submission to the DCL. Community outreach and public information activities were conducted during the reporting period, including the distribution of approved flyers within the project vicinity and surrounding localities. Coordinations with local councils and utility owners were also conducted, including a coordination meeting with the Jerusalem Electricity Company, the Hussan Village Council, and the Nahaleen Village Council. The project has made progress in implementing the water infrastructure development, including the installation of approximately 1.5 kilometers of the main transmission pipeline. However, challenges remain, including the need to address the traffic control plan for segment B and to implement the environmental mitigation measures effectively.