Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, UNOPS, DPA announce project to rehabilitate homes in Hitteen camp

AMMAN — The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on Thursday announced it would renovate 100 housing units in Jordan’s Hitteen camp.

The renovations will be done in cooperation with the Jordanian Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA), through the Housing Reconstruction Project for Palestinian Refugees in Hitteen camp, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times. The $2-million project is expected to benefit around 500 Palestinian refugees living in the camp, and will be funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

The aim of the project is to improve the safety of houses and the security of families in the camp, and will help enhance sanitary conditions as well as public health, the statement added. 

“As part of our commitment towards ensuring the safety of families, as well as preserving the dignity of camp residents, our intervention in Hitteen camp targets the most vulnerable Palestinians refugees to enhance their housing conditions and ensure safer living environments,” Italian Ambassador to Jordan Fabio Cassese said.

 According to a recent study conducted by the FAFO Foundation, in collaboration with the DPA and the Department of Statistics, about 300 houses in the camp require restructuring. 

The initiative also intends to contribute to income in the camp as 50 per cent of skilled and unskilled workers in the construction works are expected to include refugees, the statement said.

“In line with our infrastructure mandate, UNOPS is pleased to contribute to the improvement of living conditions in Hitteen camp, and support the government of Jordan in its effort to deliver quality services and shelters,” said Bana Kaloti, UNOPS’ international cooperation director for the Middle East.