After more than two years of civil war in Syria, you can just imagine the devastations it had caused to her major infrastructure. The civil war has caused much destruction of infrastructure in Syria.
From the reports I’ve read, the estimated cost of infrastructure damages because of the ongoing civil war in Syria already reached $11 billion or about 8.2 billion Euros.
It is worth knowing how notable infrastructure in Syria is faring.
Are they still being used? Or if they are functional, are there still people using them?
This article that features four notable infrastructure in Syria also mentions the challenge the current situation poses to infrastructure asset management practitioners.
Let us have a quick look at the latest status of some of the famous infrastructure in Syria and how they are doing now as the war continues.
Damascus International Airport
It is considered one of the major and the busiest airports. It is in Damascus, capital of Syria, serving millions of passengers every year.
The time that the civil war started, all international airlines stopped their flights intermittently. Roads connecting to the airport are being closed every now and then especially when there are security threats.
In 2012, there was reported fighting around the airport, thus, it caused a two-day closure of the airport.
Al-Shami Hospital
According to reports, the health and medical infrastructure of Syria are now almost devastated. In which more than half of hospitals are damaged.
Al-Shami Hospital is considered as the central hospital located in Al-Malky Street, Damascus. It was originally used by Syria’s political and military elites.
At the onset of war, the hospital is now under a tight security. Roads around the area had been closed and presidential guards are posted to block any vehicle to pass through the area.
Unlike Dar Al-Shifa hospital in Aleppo, which was completely destroyed, Al-Shami is still protected.
Shahba Mall
Shahba mall in Aleppo is one of the largest shopping malls in Syria. Composed of five levels, it has quite a number of stores and restaurants.
The indoor amusement park and cinemas provide the best entertainment.
Unfortunately, the mall was damaged during the war. And it was closed and out of service as of this time.
Expressway M5
For Syria’s economy, roads, railways, and expressways are important. Most of the trade cargos are transported through their road networks and railways.
Expressway M5, for instance, plays a vital role. It connects Aleppo and the main city Damascus. The expressway is a strategic road infrastructure because it is the key route to defend or attach Aleppo.
With the ongoing civilian war in Syria, controlling the route absolutely makes sense.
Obviously, major infrastructures in Syria are at risk as long as the civil war continues.
If you are an infrastructure management expert, how would you propose the rehabilitation of Syria’s major infrastructure?
Furthermore, the destruction of Syria’s world heritage sites will be one great challenge for those who will be tasked to prepare the infrastructure asset management plan.
PHOTO CREDIT: By الرستن الرستن – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link