A/HRC/18/49 desalinization plant or a series of smaller plants be established and noted that sewage systems in Gaza need to be upgraded to ensure connectivity and improved treatment. According to UNEP, this will require the establishment of a series of new sewage treatment plants, as the existing ones are overloaded and incapable of producing the quality of water needed for re-use in the Gaza Strip. I. Action by the international community and responsible Palestinian authorities 76. In paragraph 1976 (a) of its report, the Mission recommended that the international community and responsible Palestinian authorities should establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure that the funds pledged by international donors for reconstruction activities in the Gaza Strip were smoothly and effectively disbursed, and urgently put to use for the benefit of the population of Gaza. 77. To date, no mechanism has been established to track, receive and allow disbursal of funds for the reconstruction of Gaza. UNRWA reports that United Nations implementing agencies remain unable to effectively access and use funds pledged at the International Conference on the Palestinian Economy and Gaza Reconstruction in March 2009 for construction activities for the benefit of the civilian population. UNRWA also reports that it has proposed to Israeli authorities a streamlined process of project approvals and transfer of construction supplies through the crossings established under the Agreement on Movement and Access of 2005, with a view towards expediting the implementation of construction and reconstruction projects. 78. In paragraph 1976 (b) of its report, the Mission recommended that, in view of the consequences of the military operations, responsible Palestinian authorities and international aid providers should pay special attention to the needs of persons with disabilities. In addition, the Mission recommended that medical follow-up should be ensured by relevant international and Palestinian structures with regard to patients who had suffered amputations or been otherwise injured by munitions, the nature of which had not been clarified, in order to monitor any possible long-term impact on their health. Financial and technical assistance should be provided to ensure adequate medical follow-up to Palestinian patients. 79. The Secretary-General noted in his previous progress report (A/HRC/15/51, para. 77) that he was not aware of any action taken by responsible Palestinian authorities or Palestinian structures in response to the above recommendation. This continues to be the case. 80. In its submission to OHCHR, UNRWA reports that it continues to cooperate with local organizations to ensure that patients receive prosthetic devices and artificial limbs, and to provide physiotherapy for persons who sustained injuries during Operation Cast Lead. In addition, UNRWA is providing community-based organizations with financial assistance and technical advice to help them deliver services to their target groups. For example, UNRWA has provided financial subsidies to cover a portion of operating expenses and educational fees, covered salaries for employees through its job creation programme and assisted such organizations to provide basic goods to affected families. UNRWA also reports that it has delivered direct psychosocial support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and assistive devices to individuals and families affected. 16