Syria, UN to enhance joint cooperation in the field of Public Works and Housing

Damascus, (ST) – The Minister of Public Works and Housing Suhail Abdel Latif, discussed with the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Executive Directorate of the UN- Habitat Dr. Irfan Ali and the accompanying delegation areas of cooperation between the two sides in the housing sector which is the basis of urban development process. Tge two sides also discussed the possibility of developing and expanding horizons of cooperation in this field.

During a meeting held on Wednesday at the Ministry’s building, Minister Abdel Latif stressed the importance of joint cooperation, especially after the earthquake disaster that struck Syria on the 6th of last February. He referred to the rapid response provided by the program in the emergency phase after the disaster, In addition to contributing to providing technical expertise, along with the Ministry’s cadres and the Engineers Syndicate, to assess the damage caused to buildings.

Minister Abdul Latif pointed to the importance of providing technical support with the necessary equipment for the assessment process, noting that Syria could not possess these equipment due to the blockade and the unfair economic sanctions imposed on it.

He stressed that work is underway according to the priorities of response plans to the repercussions of the earthquake in the affected areas.

Abdul Latif called for the need to raise the voice loudly to lift the unjust and inhumane coercive measures, and the unjust siege on Syria, which greatly affected the feasibility of responding to the earthquake disaster.

For his part, Dr. Ali said that the aim of the meeting is to frame and strengthen work in programs and projects related to the Ministry of Housing, to continue with recovery projects, and to follow up on the implementation of other projects in a number of governorates. He indicated that the necessary technical equipment and supplies are being sought to assess the technical and structural condition of the damaged buildings, contribute to the process of updating and developing urban development plans.

During the meeting, the importance of partnership with the Ministry and its affiliates, and the concerned authorities to implement multiple and integrated projects was emphasized.

Raghda Sawas