Identify the Priorities of the Sanitation Sector in the West Bank : Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to Identify the Setting Priorities of the Sanitation Sector in the West Bank

Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) was chosen and used to identify the setting priorities of the sanitation sector in the West Bank. A six step criteria selection approach was developed based on an extensive review of policies and strategies as well as lessons drawn from regional and international experiences and practices. This criteria selection approach has resulted in nine criteria for MCDA:demography, wastewater production, reuse, environmental factors, operational factors, risks of industrial waste, socio-economic factors, geographical factors, and political issues and aspects. Evaluative and comparative analyses were used during MCDA application and a mathematical relationship was found aiming at sector/area identification and priorities setting. MCDA and relationship developed through this research were applied to 64 communities in the West Bank which must be connected to sewage system by the end of 2030. According to MCDA and selected criteria, the 64 communities were ordered by priority to be approached by decision makers for development. MCDA application and results has shown that this model is suitable and successful in setting sanitation sector priorities.