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Finally, a Palestinian growth industry
And it's...rubble.Gaza Maan The de facto government in Gaza is investigating whether the rubble of bombed buildings can be ground up and re-constituted into a cement substitute that can be used in reconstruction. ...and if they run out, the Israelis will be glad to make more. No need to thank them. Minister of Public Works and Housing Yousef Al-Mansi said the Hamas-run government will build a mosque, a school and a clinic using this method as a trial run. Later, the ministry will expand its projects to include mud construction and other techniques. Wow. Into the Bronze Age in Gaza... We are capable of constructing such simple structures adequately, said Al-Mansi, pointing out that architects and engineers still need to work out the fine details of the buildings, including windows, doors, electricity and sanitation. Maybe they can even guilt the UNRWA into doing it for them. And pay for the privilege. Think, Yousef! Think! Reconstruction from Israels three-week assault on Gaza has been stalled due to what the UN reports is a blanket prohibition on imports of construction materials, including cement and steel. Tired of waiting for the international community to break the blockade, Palestinians are turning to the means at hand to rebuild their houses. Clay bricks and other alternative materials are coming into use. Palestinians showing initative? This is news... Over nearly two years of siege, Palestinians have survived in part on their own ingenuity. Lacking cooking gas, Gazans used the sand removed from the smuggling tunnels snaking beneath the Gaza-Egypt border to build clay ovens. Mahmoud, could you bring home some sand from work? We need a new oven. Why, Fatima? Is the old one on the fritz? Al-Mansi said that Palestinians in Gaza are insistent on overcoming the current obstacles. He also said the de facto government is in contact with foreign governments, as well as international organizations, seeking to build pressure to end the Israeli-led blockade of Gaza. Why? It's not like you're gonna run outta rubble... Posted by: tu3031 2009-04-30 |
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