Installing A Sewer Network in Za’atari Refugee Camp

Installing A Sewer Network in Za’atari Refugee Camp

JEN is building a sewer network in Za’atari refugee camp in cooperation with other international organizations. It is scheduled to be completed in 2017.
When it is completed, sewage from all the households in the camp will be connected to the sewer and conveyed to the wastewater treatment plant inside the camp. All kinds of sewage will be able to be treated.

Contents of the project:
This project consists of two phases.
In the first stage, we will connect caravans in the camp to a concrete tank to collect solid waste with high-density polyethylene.
In the second stage, we will connect concrete tanks to the wastewater treatment plant in the camp. In conducting this project we are encountering many difficulties, including the following.

1.Ensure the security of nearby residents during the construction

It is of most importance to ensure the security of nearby residents during the construction. A lot of measures are taken to ensure the residents’ security. For example, we set warning tape and metal fences around the construction site. In addition, we hold meetings to call parents’ attention to the danger and to tell children at school not to get close to the construction sites or construction machines since there is a risk that children playing around construction sites may injure themselves. It is especially important to teach these things to children at school.

2.Caravans are irregularly arranged in the camp

Our work is made more difficult by refugees entering and staying in the camp discretely and without rules. Therefore, we conduct preliminary surveys and make plans, collect the latest data and make adjustments every day, then give new instructions.

3.The loss of machines for construction and obstructive behavior
T
he staff members need to pay attention to the conservation of the construction site every day after they have finished the day’s work and leave. Special attention is required to prevent construction tools and materials from being stolen. To minimize any damage to the site or loss of equipment, we find it is effective to hire people who live in the particular area under construction as guards.

4.The constant movement of refugees and caravans inside the camp

Some refugees often move to other places inside the camp to live closer to relatives or former neighbors, or to seek better services. A sewer network maintenance project is currently in progress for these people. We hold briefing sessions to inform them that the sewage network is for all of the households in the camp.

I’m working as a land surveyor in this project. Surveying is indispensable for construction related to roads, buildings, clean water and sewage. Surveying makes it possible to install sewage pipes in the right place so as to prevent sewer systems from being backed up.
When this project is completed, the many various problems related to sewage disposal faced by Syrian refugees living in Za’atari refugee camp will be solved. In addition, it will be useful to prevent the pollution of ground water in Mafraq.

Working with JEN has been my first experience being engaged in humanitarian work, and I have learned a new way. It is a great experience for me to work to support Syrian refugees. I’m very proud that the outcomes of the project are useful to the daily lives of the refugees.

Land surveyor　Mo’awiya Issa Shakboua

 

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