The government has outlined a plan to relocate those displaced by the ongoing war in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel, whose homes have been destroyed. On Wednesday, a decision was made to build prefabricated houses to shelter part of the estimated 1.2 million displaced. What does this involve?
With the winter season drawing near and more people seeking refuge on the streets of Beirut, providing emergency shelter for these devastated populations has become a top priority for Lebanese authorities. Yet, this initiative is fraught with challenges—logistical, economic and social.
What Lies Behind This Solution?
In the current Lebanese context, prefabricated houses offer several advantages, explains Mona Harb, a professor of Urban Studies and Political Science at the American University of Beirut.
On one hand, she notes that “they can be installed quickly, which is crucial for addressing the urgent needs of the displaced.” Harb emphasizes that “the first shelters could be ready within a few weeks.” However, for this to occur, two conditions must be met: a swift release of funds and effective project organization, free from any interference. Past experiences have shown that reconstruction projects in Lebanon are often hampered by bureaucratic hurdles, political power struggles and funding issues.