Locations
Rehabilitation of damaged houses
In response to the Beirut Port blast, UNDP is committed to restore spaces and memories in the neighborhoods of Karantina and Burj Hammoud, home to a majority of low-income population including poor Lebanese, refugees and migrant workers, who have limited resources to rebuild their damaged houses and livelihoods.
With the support of trained architects, civil engineers and social workers, UNDP conducted a socio-economic and damage assessment survey, covering 38 households and 67 businesses in Karantina and 830 households and 190 businesses in Burj Hammoud.
In view of its close proximity to the port, Karantina sustained the highest level of damage from the explosion. By end of 2020, UNDP had rehabilitated 35 damaged houses, including some with major structural damage. UNDP has also implemented reconstruction works in one of the closest houses to the explosion site, which witnessed partial destruction. The residing family was also supported with refurbishing and cash assistance to allow the family’s breadwinner to resume her hairdressing work. Committed to preserve built heritage, restoration works are ongoing in two historical buildings.
In Burj Hammoud where some of the most vibrant markets for low-income families in Beirut are located, UNDP completed rehabilitating 410 houses and 89 shops, located along the main street of Burj Hammoud and in the Nabaa neighborhood. Thanks to Germany through KFW Development Bank, works and support to shops did not only respond to losses inflicted by the explosion, but also included the provision of equipment and essential works that were needed prior to the blast.
In 2022, building on the results of a follow-up detailed assessment in Burj Hammoud, UNDP is implementing additional interventions benefitting 100 shops located in Varouj street. In addition to generic upgrading works in the neighborhood (solar street lighting, cable management, façade painting), 52 shops will be supported through internal rehabilitation works.
Kits Distribution
In August and again in December 2020, 2,000 most vulnerable Lebanese and refugee families living in blast affected neighborhoods received hygiene and baby kits, in view of the greater risk of potential exposure to COVID-19 in neighborhoods affected by the Beirut Blast.
