Lebanon

Projects Database / Rubble Removal and Recovery in the Nahr El Bared Camp (NBC)

Project ID
00061727

Background
On 20 May 2007 fierce clashes began in Nahr el-Bared camp (NBC). Due to the fighting, over 30,000 Palestinian refugees fled their homes in and around NBC, most taking refuge in the neighbouring Beddawi Camp and other Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. On 2 September 2007, the hostilities ended. As a result, the camp was seriously damaged; with current available estimates suggesting that up to 95% of the camp infrastructure was fully or partially destroyed. This generated considerable amounts of demolition waste which caused complete closure of existing roads and narrow pathways within the camp, impeding access for reconstruction activities, aid workers and refugees. Most of the 5,000 housing units in the camp were completely damaged and need to be reconstructed. Estimates indicate that demolition will top 500,000m3 of rubble mixed with other waste, including furniture, white goods, steel, glass, wood, etc.

On 10 September 2007, UNRWA launched an emergency appeal for Nahr El Bared calling for funding to implement emergency activities such as provision of basic food and non-food items to the refugees, as well as demolition and clearing of the rubble to enable reconstruction activities to start. Based on UNDP’s experience in the South Lebanon recovery efforts, UNRWA recently approached UNDP for assistance in the rubble recovery and recycling activities needed to clear the old NBC before reconstruction activities can be initiated.

The project consists of safely demolishing the damaged buildings in NBC and simultaneously transporting, crushing, sorting and treating the waste generated. The project approach is holistic: not only will the activities ensure that the NBC is ready for reconstruction, but will also reduce the amount of waste generated for land-filling and decrease the pressure on natural resources through the reuse of rubble. It will also provide a source of employment for the local labour force.

Achievements & Expected Results
Safe removal and treatment/reuse of 500,000m3 of rubble, including disposal of toxic and non-toxic waste in an environmentally sound manner.

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Relevant News The Official Launch of The Rubble Removal Operation in Nahr El Bared