Egypt delivers raw materials necessary for Gaza reconstruction

CAIRO – 19 December 2021: Official at one of the contracting companies taking part in the reconstruction of Gaza Strip Suhail al-Saqqa told Youm7 Sunday that the necessary raw materials have been transported into the territory through Rafah Crossing in addition to the arrival of a delegation of engineers to follow up on the implementation of the second phase of the project.

Saqqa had told the publication last week that the Egyptian grant covers six projects. The first phase consists of the rehabilitation of Gaza Coastal Road, estimated to get accomplished in eight months, and a residential neighborhood dubbed Dar Misr 3, where leveling and drilling have begun.

The second one includes two other residential projects, introducing utilities and infrastructure, and two bridges in the districts of Shagaeya and Saraya, which are still being designed.

The Palestinian contractor praised the Egyptian government for hiring Palestinian workers noting that the second phase would encompass 200 engineers, technicians, assistants, and drivers. Those would be working on site and in factories supplying materials for the construction works.

President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi announced in May that Egypt is allocating $500 million to the reconstruction of Gaza Strip, and that Egyptian firms will take part in the work.

Earlier in May, Israeli airstrikes caused the destruction of more than 200 residential units in Gaza Strip and 31 educational establishments, including schools, colleges, and vocational training centers. According to the United Nations, 40,000 Palestinians got displaced – mainly from the North to the South – while 2,500 lost their homes. Also, 213 deaths, including 61 children and 36 women, were recorded in addition to 1,442 injuries.

It is noted that the removal of ruins by Egypt started in June right in the aftermath of the Israeli airstrikes against the Strip in May.