Introduction
The Gaza Strip, a region torn by conflict, faces a dire water crisis that threatens the survival of its two million inhabitants. Amidst this turmoil, a dedicated water engineer, Marwan Bardawil, has spent nearly three decades striving to maintain access to clean water for Gazans. His story, highlighted in a recent episode of Radio Atlantic, paints a vivid picture of resilience and struggle against the backdrop of war and political instability. Marwan’s journey from hope to displacement underscores the human cost of conflict and the essential role of water in sustaining life.
The Personal Cost of War
Marwan Bardawil, now 61, once found solace in his work, using it as a refuge from the chaos around him. However, the escalating violence forced him to make the heart-wrenching decision to flee Gaza with his family. They joined the exodus of Palestinians escaping the unbearable conditions, seeking refuge in Egypt. Marwan’s story is one of loss and resilience, as he grapples with the destruction of his home and the uncertainty of his future. His experience mirrors that of many Gazans, for whom the pursuit of basic necessities like water has become a daily struggle.
Gaza’s Water Crisis Before the War
Even before the recent escalation, Gaza’s water infrastructure was fragile, relying on a patchwork of sources. These included limited water from Israel, untreated groundwater, and several desalination plants. Despite these efforts, the average Gazan had access to only 80 liters of water per day, far below the 300 liters typical in the United States. This precarious system was a testament to Marwan’s and his team’s tireless efforts, yet it remained susceptible to political whims and insufficient funding, leaving Gazans in a perpetual state of vulnerability.
The Devastating Impact of War on Water
The war exacerbated Gaza’s water crisis, destroying critical infrastructure and claiming lives. The destruction of pipelines, desalination plants, and sewage systems led to severe water shortages and the spread of diseases like cholera and hepatitis A. The contamination of water sources pushed Gazans to the brink, with many struggling to survive on just three liters of water per day. The situation became so dire that a polio outbreak, a disease thought eradicated, reemerged, prompting urgent vaccination efforts. Marwan’s team faced immense risks to repair what they could, but the scale of destruction overwhelmed their efforts.
A Glimmer of Hope
Following a fragile ceasefire, there was a slight improvement in Gaza’s water supply, with some areas receiving up to 10 liters per day. The partial restoration of a desalination plant connected to Israel’s power grid offered a glimmer of hope. However, the recent cutoff of electricity threatens to reverse this progress, plunging Gaza back into crisis. Marwan and his team have devised a six-month recovery plan, symbolizing Gazans’ determination to rebuild their lives independently, rather than rely on external visions that may displace them.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Gaza
Marwan’s career reflects the rollercoaster of Gaza’s history, from the optimism of the Oslo Accords to the despair of ongoing conflict. His story highlights the clash between external visions for Gaza’s future, such as Trump’s proposal for a "Middle Eastern Riviera," and the Arab-backed plan emphasizing Palestinian-led reconstruction. While the path ahead is uncertain, Marwan’s steadfast dedication to his work offers a beacon of hope. His journey reminds us of the importance of agency and self-determination in rebuilding a shattered homeland, where water, a basic human right, remains a central focus.
