WASHINGTON, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- Syria's reconstruction costs are estimated at USD 216 billion after more than 13 years of conflict, according to a new World Bank report.
The Syria Physical Damage and Reconstruction Assessment 2011-2024 presents the results of a rapid nationwide assessment across infrastructure and building assets, covering the period from 2011 to 2024. All estimates are in US dollars.
The conflict has damaged nearly one-third of Syria's pre-conflict gross capital stock, with direct physical damages to infrastructure, residential buildings, and non-residential buildings estimated at USD 108 billion. Among the categories assessed, infrastructure was the hardest hit, accounting for 48 percent of total damage (USD 52 billion), followed by residential buildings (USD 33 billion) and non-residential buildings (USD 23 billion).
The governorates of Aleppo, Rif Dimashq, and Homs were the most severely affected in terms of total damage.
Reconstruction costs of damaged physical assets are projected to range between USD 140 billion and USD 345 billion, with a conservative best estimate of USD 216 billion. This includes USD 75 billion for residential buildings, USD 59 billion for non-residential structures, and USD 82 billion for infrastructure. The governorates of Aleppo and Rif Dimashq are expected to require the most significant reconstruction investments.
"The challenges ahead are immense, but the World Bank stands ready to work alongside the Syrian people and the international community to support recovery and reconstruction," said Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Middle East Division Director. "Collective commitment, coordinated action, and a comprehensive, structured support program are critical to helping Syria on its path to recovery and long-term development." The estimated physical reconstruction costs are nearly ten times Syria's projected 2024 GDP, underscoring the scale of the challenge and the immense need for international support.
The conflict has devastated Syria's economy, with real GDP declining by nearly 53 percent between 2010 and 2022. In nominal terms, GDP (current USD) contracted from USD 67.5 billion in 2011 to an estimated USD 21.4 billion in 2024, as per Syria Macro-Fiscal Assessment published earlier this year. (end) amm.hb