Hezbollah has launched a notable reconstruction initiative in southern Lebanon following recent conflict, aiming to rebuild homes and infrastructure damaged in the fighting. The group’s efforts involve a multi-pronged approach, encompassing assessment, funding, and distribution of aid to affected families.
The scale of the undertaking is ample. According to a statement released by Hezbollah,the operation includes the deployment of numerous engineering and technical teams across various southern villages. Four management rooms have been established to oversee the process,handling auditing,automation,and financial aspects of compensation.
Assessing the Damage and Distributing Aid
Table of Contents
Engineer Haitham Zayat, a key figure in the project’s management, outlined the three main categories of damage being addressed: total demolition, buildings requiring structural inspection, and those needing restoration. “There are three sections of the files being worked on, which are the total demolition file, the building file that needs structural inspection, and the restoration file,” Zayat explained. He further detailed the progress, stating that ”the inspection of approximately 4,350 housing units in the total demolition file in the villages south of the Litani has been completed with teams of surveyors.”
Zayat also highlighted the meticulous nature of the process. “There are detailed files within each list of the total demolition file, of which approximately 640 files have been completed in detail, and there are partial files in which approximately 300 housing units have been completed,” he noted. The assessment extends to buildings at risk of collapse,with approximately 250 units currently undergoing review by a central committee to determine whether reinforcement or demolition is necessary.
the sheer number of people affected is staggering. “Regarding the restoration file, there are up to 200,000 affected people, and about 25,000 forms have been completed so far, and 5,000 of them have been automated, and funds have begun to be disbursed to them,” Zayat reported. He emphasized the efficiency of the disbursement process, stating, “when the form is submitted, it will be disbursed within 10 days.”
The aid provided is tailored to the level of damage. “We issued seven payments for those who were partially damaged, such as doors, windows, and the like, so that families could live in them urgently. As for those whose homes were entirely damaged, their owners receive a housing and furniture allowance and are able to secure their affairs,” Zayat clarified.
The Road Ahead
Despite the significant progress,the task remains immense. Zayat concluded by emphasizing the group’s commitment: “We started working on these files two weeks ago, and we are focusing on working diligently and with double effort. We have deployed the largest number of engineers to begin work. Work is currently underway to expand the mechanization team to complete the largest possible number of forms.We are trying to complete all the files within a short period of time.”
The scale of this reconstruction effort underscores the significant challenges facing Lebanon in the aftermath of the conflict and highlights the role various actors are playing in the recovery process.
Hezbollah’s Reconstruction Push in Southern Lebanon: An Interview with Dr. Lina Saab
Following recent conflict, Hezbollah has initiated a substantial reconstruction effort in Southern Lebanon, focusing on rebuilding damaged homes adn infrastructure. This ambitious project aims to provide aid and support to families impacted by the fighting. World Today News Senior Editor, Sarah Thompson, sits down with Dr. Lina Saab, a Middle Eastern affairs expert with extensive knowledge of the region’sReconstruction efforts, to discuss the project’s scope, methodology, and potential impact.
Assessing the Damage and Data-Driven Distribution
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Saab, Hezbollah’s reconstruction initiative in Southern Lebanon is substantial. Can you shed light on how they are assessing the damage and distributing aid?
dr. Lina Saab: Hezbollah has implemented a structured, multi-pronged approach. They’ve categorized the damage into three main groups: total demolition, buildings requiring structural inspection, and those needing restoration. Their engineering teams are comprehensively surveying each category.
Sarah thompson: This sounds incredibly meticulous. Can you elaborate on the process?
Dr. Lina Saab: Absolutely. They’ve divided the project into detailed files for each village and are utilizing a combination of surveyors and central committees to determine the extent of the damage and the appropriate response. As an example,buildings at risk of collapse are being reviewed by a central committee to decide whether reinforcement or demolition is necessary.
Sarah Thompson: And what about the aid distribution process itself?
Dr. Lina Saab: Hezbollah emphasizes efficiency.They’ve created a system where forms are submitted, automatically processed, and funds are disbursed within ten days.
This ensures swift financial assistance reaches those in need promptly.
Tailoring Aid to Specific Needs
Sarah Thompson: It sounds like Hezbollah is trying to be very targeted with its aid.
Dr. Lina Saab: Precisely.
They’ve recognized the diverse needs of the people affected. Such as, families whose homes suffered partial damage, like broken windows or doors, receive immediate aid to make their homes habitable. Those whose homes are completely destroyed receive housing and furniture allowances to help them rebuild their lives.
###
Looking Ahead: A Continuing Challenge
sarah Thompson: The sheer scale of this project is immense.
What are the biggest challenges Hezbollah faces moving forward?
Dr. lina Saab: Hezbollah is striving to complete as many files as possible within a short period.
They’ve deployed a large number of engineers and are expanding their mechanization team to expedite the process. The key challenge lies in coping with the vast number of affected people and ensuring equitable and timely distribution of aid.
Sarah Thompson: Are there any broader implications of Hezbollah’s involvement in reconstruction efforts in Lebanon?
Dr. Lina Saab:
Hezbollah’s initiative highlights their growing role in Southern Lebanon.
They are filling a critical gap by providing much-needed assistance and social services in a region ravaged by conflict. It will be interesting to see how this role evolves as Lebanon navigates its complex political and economic landscape in the years ahead.
