UNDP: About $70 billion is needed to rebuild Gaza

Cilliers attended the United Nations (UN) Geneva office's weekly press conference online and made assessments.

Stating that there had been shocking destruction in Gaza, Cilliers said that despite this, the resistance of Gazans was incredible and their determination to rebuild the Gaza Strip was very strong.

Cilliers stressed that as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), all parties should respect the ceasefire reached in Gaza, stressing that this is also important for long-term stability and recovery in Gaza.

Cilliers stated that as UNDP they have currently removed approximately 81,000 tons of debris, stating that this is equivalent to approximately 3,100 truckloads of debris.

“The majority of the debris clearance work is currently being carried out to ensure access for humanitarian actors to provide urgently needed assistance and support to the people of Gaza. We are also supporting hospitals and other social services that need to be cleared of debris,” Cilliers said. he said.

“It is estimated that around $70 billion will be needed to rebuild Gaza.”

Cilliers explained that the Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (IRDNA), carried out jointly by the United Nations, the European Union (EU) and the World Bank to estimate how much reconstruction work in Gaza will cost, estimated that about $70 billion will be needed for reconstruction in Gaza. Cilliers said: “That means in the next three years approximately 20 billion dollars are needed.” Early reconstruction is working in Gaza.” We also demand much-needed access to create opportunities. “This also includes urgently needed heavy equipment to help with restoration, damage repair and reconstruction,” he said.

Cilliers explained that the private sector can generally provide financing for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, in addition to donor funds, saying that the private sector can provide about 50 percent of the financing for these works.

Cilliers stressed that the amount of debris that needs to be cleared in Gaza is about 55 million tons, noting that the number continues to increase.

Cilliers noted that the UNDP continues to work, stay and serve in Gaza, explaining that it operates in all areas, including humanitarian assistance, early recovery and development.

“It is clear that there is still a long way to go, but we hope that with the support of UN partners and other international and national actors, reconstruction work can begin as quickly as possible,” Cilliers said. he said.