UNDP Clears Over 2.1 Million Cubic Metres of Rubble Across Syria

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Syria, working alongside national and international partners, has announced the clearance of more than 2.1 million cubic metres of rubble, equivalent to approximately 3.15 million tonnes. The milestone marks a significant step in the country's rebuilding journey following more than a decade of conflict.

The UNDP described the return of millions of displaced Syrians as a historic moment carrying both considerable opportunity and urgent challenges, particularly given the severe damage sustained by cities, hospitals, schools, roads, and power generation facilities across the country.

Rubble Recycling and Mine Clearance

In northwestern Syria, 257,000 tonnes of rubble have been recycled and repurposed for the rehabilitation of roads, public squares, and community spaces. The programme plans to clear a further 550,000 cubic metres across four governorates in 2026.

The UNDP stressed that the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance is a prerequisite for the safe return of residents and the commencement of rebuilding works. Workers are receiving risk awareness training, while children are being educated on how to identify and avoid explosive threats. These efforts are carried out through a partnership involving national mine action authorities, the UN Mine Action Service, UNICEF, and the HALO Trust.

Returns and Social Recovery

More than 1.6 million people returned to Syria over the past year. In 2025, approximately 8.9 million people benefited from UNDP support as services resumed, markets reopened, and stability gradually returned.

Funding and Operational Expansion

UNDP Syria mobilised more than 213 million US dollars in 2025, a sharp increase from just 22 million dollars in 2024. Funds are directed toward strengthening public institutions, restoring essential services, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are considered the primary engine of the Syrian economy.

In the area of economic recovery, 532 SMEs were established or revitalised, generating employment for more than 31,400 people. A joint initiative with the Qatar Fund for Development, valued at 760 million dollars, contributed to natural gas supply and the generation of up to 800 megawatts of electricity per day.

Infrastructure and Services Rebuilding

The UNDP rehabilitated 41.4 kilometres of electricity networks and transformer stations, and installed 34 electrical transformers across Aleppo, Latakia, Homs, Hama, AlSweida, Hasakah, Damascus, and Rif Dimashq. Water and sanitation networks were also repaired in Rif Dimashq, Homs, and Hama, while hospitals and healthcare centres received rehabilitation works, equipment, and renewable energy solutions to ensure service continuity.

Ongoing Projects

• Revitalisation of 8 major markets and industrial zones in Aleppo, Damascus, Homs, Idlib, Deir ez-Zor, Daraa, and Latakia.
• Rehabilitation of 31 bakeries across eight governorates, and 6 productive facilities covering wheat milling, food processing, and asphalt production.
• Support for 1,745 micro, small, and medium enterprises, with technical and vocational training for more than 3,000 beneficiaries.
• Rehabilitation of 33 primary healthcare centres and five hospitals, including 18 facilities operating on solar energy.
• Improved specialised healthcare services, including prosthetics and assistive devices for more than 680 persons with disabilities.
• Rehabilitation of 40 schools and collection of approximately 90,000 tonnes of solid waste.
• Rehabilitation of 164 kilometres of low-voltage electricity networks and installation of 81 electrical transformers.
• Restoration of 5,000 hectares of degraded forests and improved land management for 4,600 hectares of agricultural land.
• Agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilisers, tools, and poultry, provided to more than 900 farmers, with training in climate-smart agriculture.
• Employment opportunities for at least 136 persons with disabilities, and cash assistance for 195 of them.