A recent advertisement appeared in the local Palestinian press. It was from the Municipality of Nablus, thanking USAID for its support of the "Emergency Roads Program." Roads throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip were badly damaged during the first two years of the Intifada, making travel to work and school extremely difficult for many Palestinians.
Therefore, the new USAID-funded "Emergency Roads Program," which is being implemented in 12 local municipalities, is making a significant difference. With road repair work - implemented by the engineering firm CH2MHill - progressing rapidly, the daily lives of Palestinians has improved. In the city of Nablus, located in the northern West Bank, the change is visible - and popular.
The Mayor of Nablus described the feelings of Nablus residents this way: "The municipality of Nablus, on behalf of its residents, hereby extends its deepest appreciation and gratitude to USAID and the American people for their generous and continuous support. The recent assistance received from USAID under its Emergency Roads Program has enabled the Nablus Municipality to rehabilitate most of its damaged roads, while at the same time providing jobs for the local community. Nablus residents can now drive easily to work and to school. We are grateful to all those who have made this possible. "