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Israel's 2006 Outline Plan, "Jerusalem 2000," perpetuates extreme discrimination, favoring Jews alone. As a result, Palestinian construction without permits risks eventual demotions and fines, much of it indiscriminate to harass. Yet "unauthorized building is a testament not to an unwillingness to comply with the law....but (to) prov(ing) that the current planning system fails to address....the real needs of" East Jerusalem's Palestinians.
In 2008, the Jerusalem Municipality demolished 85 East Jerusalem structures, a third more than in 2007. Then since January 2009, 1,052 additional demolition orders were issued in the first six months, part of Israel's relentless drive to Judaize the entire city, aided by Attorney General Menahem Mazus' permission to confiscate heavy machinery used for "illegal construction."
Blatant Neglect of Services and Vital Infrastructure
Chronic sanitation facility shortages threaten health and life, partly the result of garbage left on streets and in illegal dumps throughout East Jerusalem. More on this below.
In addition, vital infrastructure is neglected and inadequate. As a result, roads are studded with potholes. The few existing sidewalks are in serious disrepair, causing damage to people and property. Public parks and recreational facilities are a rarity. Few municipal forms are in Arabic. The postal service barely functions. A mere seven facilities serve over 260,000 residents compared to 50 in West Jerusalem.
Sewage and drainage infrastructure is dilapidated, the result of years of neglect. Some neighborhoods have no connection to the system, relying instead on cesspits. In other areas, facilities are antiquated and poorly maintained.
Lacking over 70 km of sewage lines, liquid waste at times flows close to homes and children's play areas, severe weather exacerbating the problem. Despite repeated complaints, this and other problems aren't addressed, nor is there any intent to institute improvements. Even when residents are willing to subsidize the cost, bureaucratic delays obstruct commencement of needed work.
The Separation Wall exacerbated the problem, destroying several kilometers of sewer lines during construction. Only those affecting the Shuafat-Ras Hamis refugee camp were repaired after repeated requests.
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