First Person: Syrians lead efforts to clear rubble and rebuild lives
Syrian communities have cleared 570,000 tonnes of war rubble in four governorates under a United Nations-backed project, helping restore roads, water supplies and incomes.
Source: United Nations News · August 17, 2026 at 4:55 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceKUALA LUMPUR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —
Syrian communities have cleared 570,000 tonnes of war rubble in four governorates under a United Nations-backed project, helping restore roads, water supplies and incomes.
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The UNDP’s REVIVE initiative is removing debris in Aleppo, Deir-ez-Zor, Homs and Rural Damascus while repairing damaged infrastructure, the agency said. Damage from more than a decade of conflict is estimated at over $100 billion and has displaced millions.
Joelle-Seme Park, UNDP recovery adviser, said communities cannot restart life until rubble is cleared. “Once rubble is removed, life begins to return,” she said after visiting the sites.
The project employs cash-for-work schemes that have put more than 1,300 people to work, supporting over 6,000 family members. One worker in Aleppo said the income allowed her to buy food and medicine and send children, a niece and a nephew back to school.
Beyond income, the work gives residents pride in restoring neighbourhoods. A volunteer in Aleppo said locals rebuilt a park and streetlights after debris was removed, giving women and children safe public space after school.
Park said Syrians are clearing rubble with their bare hands, a measure of the scale and determination behind the effort. Clearing debris reopens roads, reconnects services and helps communities regain a sense of normal life.