Three Shomron communities are without water and an additional five are instructed implement water shortage measures. The emergency water measures impact 60,000 people. It is explained that today’s crisis is the result of years of ignoring the growing population and at present, the water infrastructure is simply not capable of serving the number of residents.

The yishuvim impacted with the water crisis include Nofei Nechemia, Rechalim, Tapuach, Itamar, Migdalim, Elon Moreh, Yitzhar and Kedumim.

Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan explains the government and Minister of National Infrastructure are expected to enlarge the infrastructure to accommodate population growth and the fact that in the 21st century, Israelis must live with water distribution is absurd. Dagan feels the decision makers have fallen short of fulfilling their responsibilities.

In one yishuv in the eastern Shomron, residents are without water for hours at day and at times for days in a row. Last week they were without water for over 24 hours as temperatures are unseasonably hot.

On Monday morning 21 Sivan, the leaders of the communities impacted by the water crisis took their case to the Prime Minister’s Office, calling for an inquiry. In their letter they point out that government agencies have failed to keep pace with the growing population in communities in Yehuda and Shomron and today the result of this government nonfeasance is seen.

They community leaders are demanding an inquiry to determine who is responsible for the failure.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)