The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) has concluded its participation in a specialized training program organized by the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB) in Istanbul, Türkiye, focusing on “Water Loss Management in Distribution Networks" and “Integrated Solid Waste Management". The program brought together 20 representatives from 20 Palestinian Local Government Units (LGUs).

The program was delivered through two parallel training tracks, each involving 10 representatives from 10 LGUs. It began with a joint session addressing decentralized cooperation and inter-city partnerships, alongside natural disaster risk management. Participants learned about Türkiye’s experience in building municipal partnerships, strengthening disaster preparedness, and improving response and coordination procedures. The program also included practical simulation exercises at the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

Under the Water Loss in Distribution Networks track, participants received technical training in cooperation with the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ). The training covered practices for reducing water losses, detecting leaks, and addressing them within distribution networks. It also included field visits to explore practical applications and technical expertise in this area.

The Integrated Solid Waste Management track covered waste treatment technologies, including biological treatment for biogas production, composting, and incineration, in cooperation with experts from the Waste Management Directorate of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). The program also featured field visits to municipal facilities in the Kemerburgaz, where participants learned about the technologies used, their operational mechanisms, and their practical applications.

The Water Loss Managment in Distribution Networks training included specialists from the municipalities of Tulkarm, Nablus, Al-Zababdeh, Jama'in, Hebron, Aizaria, Azzoun, Ni'lin, and Jericho. The Integrated Solid Waste Management training brought together specialists from the municipalities of Yatta, Al-Duha, Ramallah, Hebron, Tarqumiya, Beitunia, Al-Bireh, As-Samu', Dura, and Bani Na'im.

This participation falls within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between APLA and the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB), as well as APLA’s efforts under its Decentralized Cooperation and International Municipal Partnerships Program to expand opportunities for knowledge exchange and benefit from international experiences in developing local services and improving resource management.

These programs also contribute to strengthening the capacities of Palestinian LGUs by introducing practical solutions and approaches to the technical and operational challenges they face, particularly in water resource management, reducing water losses, improving distribution network efficiency, and developing solid waste management systems. These efforts take into account the specificities of the Palestinian context, available resources, and the constraints affecting local service delivery.