'Worse than starting from scratch': how big is the task of rebuilding Gaza?
Key Takeaways
- The estimated cost of rebuilding Gaza is $70 billion, a task described as worse than starting from scratch due to the massive rubble.
- Over 60 million tonnes of debris, containing hazardous materials like unexploded bombs, must be cleared before reconstruction can begin.
- Over 70% of Gaza's water and sanitation facilities have been damaged or destroyed, creating an immediate public health crisis.
- Restoration of essential services like water and sewerage is critical to prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera.
- Large-scale reconstruction will require mass imports of materials, possibly necessitating the construction of a deep-water port.
The task of rebuilding Gaza following the recent conflict is overwhelmingly daunting, with the UN estimating the total damage at $70 billion, leading experts to state it's 'worse than starting from scratch' due to the sheer volume of rubble.
Satellite data suggests Gaza is covered by over 60 million tonnes of debris, and the initial reconstruction phase must focus on clearing this rubble, which poses significant safety risks due to unexploded ordnance and human remains.
After clearing the sites, reconstruction will require mass imports of materials, potentially necessitating the construction of a deep-water port to handle the necessary volume of supplies.
Essential services restoration is a major hurdle, particularly water and sewerage, as Unicef estimates over 70% of the territory's water and sanitation facilities have been damaged or destroyed.
Damage to wastewater treatment plants, all of which are reportedly affected, creates a critical public health risk, with doctors warning of high rates of diarrhoeal diseases and a potential for cholera.
Repair efforts for this vital infrastructure have been severely hampered by ongoing danger from military actions and a shortage of necessary tools and materials.
