Historic Water Tower in Binyamina Collapses After Decades of Neglect

A historic water tower in Binyamina, estimated to be around 100 years old and previously designated for preservation, collapsed on Friday within its fenced-off perimeter. The structure, located near the Carmei Ram elementary school and adjacent to Ramat Hanadiv, had been in a dilapidated state for many years. As early as nine years ago, the Israel Land Authority had warned of its imminent collapse, leading to the area being cordoned off and access restricted.

Local council teams from Binyamina-Givat Ada, including engineering staff, responded to the scene along with fire and rescue services. They are currently assessing the situation, securing the area, and planning the removal of debris from the collapsed structure.

The water tower was constructed in the northern part of Binyamina during the 1930s. Initially, it played a crucial role in supplying water for residential and agricultural purposes in the moshav (cooperative agricultural community). During the British Mandate period, it was considered a strategic point, part of Camp 101, a British military installation. After the British departed, the site became integrated into the Binyamina transit camp.