Following the recent conflict with Israel, the Palestinian Public Works and Housing Minister, Ahed Bseiso, has outlined a comprehensive plan to clear the extensive rubble in Gaza. According to Bseiso, the removal process could span three to five years, contingent upon securing sufficient funding and specialized equipment.
The ministry is collaborating with various organizations, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), to tackle the monumental task of reopening roads and processing debris. A detailed study based on 250,000 damage reports from residents has been completed, leading to the establishment of a dedicated task force addressing the situation in both the West Bank and Gaza.
In the next phase, efforts will concentrate on clearing rubble from 150 public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and mosques, and restoring key roadways. Bseiso estimated that approximately 400,000 housing units have been completely or partially destroyed. To address this, the ministry plans to provide 200,000 new housing units in coordination with donors, alongside repairing partially damaged homes and offering temporary housing for those who have lost their residences entirely.
Families currently residing with relatives will receive financial compensation to aid in their transition. The United Nations has estimated that over 50 million tonnes of rubble need to be removed in Gaza, a region home to more than two million people, at an estimated cost of around $1.2 billion. Additionally, Gaza's Government Media Office reported that 88 percent of the Gaza Strip has been damaged, with initial losses exceeding $38 billion.
Reference(s):
Gaza rubble could be cleared 'in 3-5 years with sufficient resources'
cgtn.com
