Feb 5, 2009

Bethlehem – Ma’an – At least 600,000 tons of rubble will need to be cleared before Gaza can be reconstructed, estimated UNDP in a report released Wednesday.

The document estimated that 14,000 homes, totaling 2.6 percent of all homes were completely destroyed and 20 percent have sustained light to heavy damage from the fighting.

Also hit were 68 government buildings and 31 NGO complexes or buildings were completely or partially destroyed.

The UNDP called removing the rubble "an ultimate priority," and noted that the program is hoping for 25 million US dollars will be allocated to removing the rubble.

The program estimated that the project will provide 200,000 days of work for the unemployed in Gaza.

Dangerous work

The program also noted that among the debris are unexploded ordinances, and said an immediate identification and safe removal program must begin as soon as possible.

Coupled with the training for debris removal crews will be public awareness campaigns over military equipment left behind by Israelis and rigged houses set up by resistance fighters.