Launch of the National System for Assessing Damage to Buildings and Engineering Facilities After Disasters in Damascus

Official Launch Under Presidential Patronage

Under the patronage of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, in cooperation with the Syrian Engineers Syndicate, launched the "National System for Assessing Damage to Buildings and Engineering Facilities After Disasters." The official ceremony and dialogue session took place in Damascus on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

"From Destruction to Reconstruction" Series: Vision and Objectives

This system is part of a specialized engineering series titled "From Destruction to Reconstruction." Its primary goal is to standardize engineering inspection criteria across all Syrian governorates, eliminating individual discrepancies in building safety assessments. By providing accurate data, the system protects lives and properties while building a comprehensive national database for strategic reconstruction planning.

System Components and Technical Manuals

The system consists of two core volumes that serve as the scientific reference for field engineers:

• Book One: The Integrated Guidance and Procedural Manual for Implementing Engineering Assessments on Buildings in Urban Areas.
• Book Two: Methodology, Work Mechanism, and Applied Guide, detailing the step-by-step procedures for surveying and evaluation.

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Governmental Strategies for National Readiness

Minister of Public Works and Housing, Mustafa Abdel Razzaq, stated that the system marks a qualitative leap in the state's readiness to handle disaster impacts. He emphasized that documenting damage through scientific methodologies will enable government institutions to make swift, effective decisions regarding the rehabilitation or removal of facilities, with a specific focus on critical infrastructure like bridges and roads.

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Engineering Incentives and Support for Recovery

Alongside the launch, the Syrian Engineers Syndicate announced a package of financial incentives to support the recovery phase. This includes up to 50% discounts on engineering fees for people with disabilities and war-affected individuals. Additionally, fee reductions were approved for industrial and strategic projects to encourage investment and attract foreign currency.

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