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THE RESPONSE OF THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT
APRIL 2001
THE
BEDUIN UNRECOGNIZED VILLAGES
PROVISION of BASIC UTILITIES and STATUS
(paragraphs 26 and 28 of the Concluding Observations)
Provision of Basic Utilities
A recent budget proposal for the years 2001-2004 requests the allocation
of
1,195,050,000 NIS, based on a four-year plan, for the completion of
development and infrastructure in the existing Bedouin towns. This
is a significant sum, which is to be used to complete the infrastructure
in existing Bedouin settlements, to construct water and sewage infrastructure
where it is incomplete and for the establishment of public facilities
such as schools, clinics, etc.
The total funds allocated to the Bedouin sector within Israel's budget
for the year 2000 were increased threefold in comparison to the period
of the Israel's Initial Report.
Water is allocated to the Bedouin community living in illegally
constructed villages through the "Water Connections Allocation Committee".
Within the last three years, the total number of connections to the
water main lines has increased from 60 connections to 260 connections.
Except for 50,000 of the Bedouin population, all of the unrecognised
villages have a connection to water services. The 50% of the Bedouin
population who live outside the recognized settlements are allowed
to tap into the National Water Carrier system at designated sites
in order to bring drinking water to their homes. The establishment
of a sewage system is under the authority of the local municipalities.
The minority local municipalities receive generous loans for this
purpose which exceed those furnished to Jewish local municipalities.
The Israeli government seeks to establish six new "Service Centers"
for the Bedouins living in the Negev. When completed, these centers
will contain facilities for various service providers, ranging from
educational facilities, religious centers and health centers to shopping
and industrial facilities. It is planned that these centers will be
built outside of existing towns, with the purpose of serving as a
basis for new Bedouin towns.
Since Israel's Initial Report, new industry and trade centers have
been built in Hura, Segev Shalom and Aroer.
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