Evaluating the Environmental Performance in Gaza City from the Citizens’ point of view

Abstract

This study aims at evaluating the environmental performance in Gaza City through surveying citizens’ opinion about environmental performance in Gaza City and the quality of the environmental and health services provided by the Municipality of Gaza. The study used the random sampling method. The sample consisted of 500 citizens of the city. The study tool was a questionnaire that was distributed to respondents, taking into account the geographical distribution of the city so that the sample covered all neighborhoods of Gaza city. Most important findings: Gaza Municipality is one of the main actors who bear a heavy burden in providing many basic services to citizens in the city. Most of the basic services provided are those related to environmental and health sectors so as to provide a safe environment for citizens. However it is most nesecerry to develop and improve the services provided to the citizen of Gaza City, where the results showed that the majiroty of respondents were unsatisfied with the services related to the cleanliness, availability of green spaces and parks, the quality of the sewage networks, and the level of awareness and guidance towards the environment. On the other hand, the respondents were satisfied with services such as; household waste removal, afforestation streets, and the efficiency of receiving complaints system. Recommendations: The study emphasized the need to improve the services provided by the Municipality of Gaza by increasing the number of janitors, working on the maintenance and renewal of waste containers, and finding a mechanism in line with the Ministry of Interior and the municipal police to fine those who affect the level of cleanliness of the city. The study also highlighted the need to increase the awareness of the people through awareness increasing programs to encourage people to preserve the city and make them aware of the programs and services the municipality. The study also recommended that there is a need to for the municipality to look for funders to work on improving sewage systems and implement projects to protect water from pollution.