Gaza, 17/12/2017--- Matias Shamaly, Director of UNRWA operations, Matias Shamaly confirmed that the salaries of the employees will be paid by the end of December, noting that the deficit amounted 49 million dollars.
During a meeting conducted by the Press House, Shamaly explained that UNRWA needs 40 million USD monthly to pay the salaries in five areas, noting that 13,000 employees in all areas.
He noted that the reason of UNRWA ability of providing December Salaries is the belated installment we received from the donors.
He warned; " If we didn't get fund to cover the deficit, it would be transferred to the next year.
He explained that the main challenge UNRWA facing is the siege, noting that a part of their work is to shed the light on the siege.
He added; " lifting up the siege and opening the borders as well as providing job opportunities are ways to reduce Palestinians' independency on UNRWA services.
He also confirmed that UNRWA has to play an essential role in changing the conservative picture people are taking about Gazan Society. We want to change the negative picture about Gaza.
He noted that there are so big potentials in Gaza regardless the long years of siege and miserable situations.
Regarding the UNRWA situation of the Palestinian reconciliation, we hope that hope that the reconciliation goes forward. " If it goes forward, UNRWA won't stop its services."
The Director of UNRWA Operations asserted that the annual deficit is increasing continuously, noting that the deficit is not linked to decreasing the find. It's due to increase in demands."
Shamaly talked about the UNRWA schools' needs for the next year since they need to build five schools to fit with the increase of the number of students, noting that there is a fund for building only one school.
He added; " we are still working on getting donations to build other schools."
He noted that the decrease in the fund led to an increase in the number of students inside the class. " This has an effect on the quality of education."
He also added; " the curriculums being taught in the UNRWA schools are confirmed by the Ministry of Education … and we don't want to change it."
He noted that the conference that will be held in Jordan doesn't aim at changing it.
At the end of his speech, he confirmed; " my priority is to have the schools and health centers opened, where people with disabilities easily access the services."
