UNDP begins assessment of damage in Gaza – UNDP press release

Gaza update: UNDP begins to assess damages 

UNDP, in its capacity as the coordinator of the UN Early Recovery team, has begun assessing the damage incurred from the 22 days of violence and is preparing a plan for reconstruction.

UNDP is working closely with local municipalities, NGOs and the UN country team on the needs assessment.  The report is expected to be ready before the middle of February to meet the deadline indicated by the UN Secretary General and for the Cairo donor's meeting.

Separate teams have been constituted to look at how different sectors, such as health, education and agriculture, have been affected by the fighting in order to provide a comprehensive assessment.

UNDP is taking the lead in 3 sectors: environment, private sector and macroeconomics, and infrastructure.  For that UNDP has submitted proposals, worth over US$56million, for the flash appeal in February.  The proposals are mainly in the area of rubble removal, agriculture, shelter, water and sanitation .  These are critical and immediate needs in order for humanitarian activities to also take place.

In addition, UNDP has created women focus groups in all sectors in order to gather data on damages and concerns. The result will be the production of a report which will be included in the needs assessment and sent out to the parties concerned.  

UNDP, along with the rest of the UN family, has expressed concern that restrictions on movement of people and goods, put in place by the Israeli Government, will hinder the early recovery process.