Recent CG Events
U.S. Supports the Reconstruction of Ramallah-Jerusalem Road
The Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Local Government Ziad Al-Bandak and U.S. Consul General Jacob Walles participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday to commence the reconstruction of a section of the Ramallah-Jerusalem Road. This project will improve safety and ease the flow of commercial and passenger traffic, boosting business and personal travel among Palestinian communities.
Minister Al-Bandak and Consul General Walles were joined by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) West Bank and Gaza Director Howard Sumka and Dr. Mohammad Steiyeh of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction (PECDAR).
“We are very pleased to be working with our Palestinian and international partners to improve the Ramallah-Jerusalem Road, through which we hope to enhance the quality of life for thousands of Palestinians,” Consul General Walles said. “This project is symbolic of our support to all of the Palestinian people and to the Palestinian Authority.” Minister Al-Bandak thanked the United States for funding the project, which he said is a priority for the Palestinian Authority.
The U.S. will provide $2.5 million to completely reconstruct 1.5 kilometers of the road, constructing a strong foundation, paving the road, building a new storm water network, and creating side-walks to improve pedestrian safety. In addition to making the road safer for cars and people, the project will generate employment and economic growth in the West Bank.
The work is being implemented by USAID in coordination with PECDAR. Since 1993, the American people have spent more than $1.7 billion in the West Bank and Gaza to combat poverty, create jobs, improve education, build roads and water systems, construct and equip medical clinics, and promote good governance.