Central Samaria settlements to join Israel’s national sewage system for the first time

Next week, one of the largest infrastructure projects promoted in Samaria in recent years is set to begin, linking central Samaria settlements to the Shafdan sewage treatment system serving the Dan region and central Israel. In the first stage, Revava, Karnei Shomron, Leshem, Peduel, Brukhin, Alei Zahav and the Barkan industrial zone will be connected. A few weeks later, the settlement of Barkan is also expected to join.

The project is being advanced by the Energy Ministry, the Water Authority and the Samaria Regional Council at a cost of about 136 million shekels. According to the council, the connection should significantly improve environmental conditions and residents’ quality of life. It will also allow the existing sewage treatment plant in the Barkan industrial zone to be shut down, with wastewater treatment transferred to the national system.

The plan has been in development for many years, but progress accelerated in recent months through joint coordination between the council, the Energy Ministry and the Water Authority. Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan called it “a historic moment for the residents of Samaria,” saying the region is being linked to “the national infrastructure of the State of Israel.” He said the project will prevent pollution, improve quality of life and provide better service, adding that it is “an ethical and practical connection to the State of Israel” that strengthens settlement on the ground.

Energy Minister and cabinet member Eli Cohen said the move is part of broader infrastructure upgrades in the area. He said that during his visit to Homesh, plans were agreed to upgrade electricity and water infrastructure in Samaria and connect its drainage system to the Dan region network. Cohen called it an important step toward “a million residents in Judea and Samaria” and thanked Dagan for the cooperation.