麻豆APP

22 February 2025

Executive Summary:

This Executive Summary provides an overview of the rationale, findings and key recommendations from a comprehensive assessment of local contractors’ capacities in the Gaza Strip. It was carried out by a consulting team of experts contracted by UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP). This assessment covers the technical and financial capacity of local contractors in the Gaza Strip, including their capacity for debris removal and provides an estimate of the costs and duration for debris removal.

Context and Impact of the War:

Over 15 months of war in the Gaza Strip have resulted in devastating loss of life and unprecedented damage to essential public, social and productive infrastructure, with entire neighborhoods and countless homes destroyed. The war has also caused massive internal displacement, forcing more than 1.9 million (90% of Gaza’s population) to seek refuge in shelters and makeshift camps. This situation has led to the complete disruption of all aspects of life, including access to clean water and sanitation, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.

Thousands of buildings, including homes, schools, and hospitals, have been destroyed or severely damaged, displacing countless families and disrupting access to essential services. The war has caused unprecedented damage to housing. According to satellite imagery analysis, UNOSAT identified 60,368 destroyed structures, 20,050 severely damaged structures, 56,292 moderately damaged structures, and 34,102 possibly damaged structures for a total of 170,812 structures. These correspond to around 69% of the total structures in the Gaza Strip (source: UNOSAT, as of December 14, 2024). It is also reported that 92% (436,000) of housing units are destroyed (160,000) or severely/partially damaged (276,000).

/…

Key Considerations and Recommendations:

Despite the challenging environment, local contractors have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. However, their human resources, technical and operational capacities have been depleted due to the war, and their engagement in the recovery and reconstruction eorts will require significant changes in the way they operate and how they are supported. The following are key considerations and recommendations to ensure local capacities are restored and augmented to address the immense challenges going forward.

Equipment and Machinery

The war has significantly reduced their equipment and machinery, aecting their operational capacities.

• Invest in restoring or replacing, as well as supporting increased access of vital machinery and construction equipment into Gaza.

Experience and Willingness

The majority of local contractors have experience in debris management, and there is a strong willingness to participate in recovery eorts.

• Implement capacity-building programs for local contractors to address gaps in technical and managerial expertise.

Financial Constraints

The financial capacity of local contractors is varied, with a significant portion having substantial debts or compensations due. Most contractors rely on advance payments from clients to initiate projects.

• Provide financial support measures to enhance their capabilities, including structured financial assistance to ensure smooth project execution.

Collaborations and Partnerships

There is an eagerness among local contractors to form partnerships or joint ventures with regional and international companies.

• Facilitate partnerships to enhance their capabilities and eciency in executing large-scale reconstruction projects, including acquiring equipment, capacity building, and financial support