Syria's $216 Billion Reconstruction Challenge: World Bank Reveals Massive Costs After 13 Years of Civil War

The reconstruction of Syria following its devastating civil war could reach a staggering $216 billion, according to a Tuesday report released by the World Bank. This assessment comes after more than 13 years of violent conflict that has ravaged the nation.

Rebuilding the country stands as one of the most daunting challenges confronting Syria's new Islamist leadership, which took control after longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December.

"Syria's reconstruction costs are estimated at $216 billion after more than thirteen years of conflict," stated the World Bank in its comprehensive report, which evaluated "infrastructure and building assets, covering the period from 2011 to 2024".

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 when Assad violently suppressed anti-government demonstrations, claimed over half a million lives and severely damaged the country's infrastructure nationwide.

According to the report, "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 $108 billion."

In the assessment, infrastructure emerged as the most severely affected category, representing 48 percent of the total damage, equivalent to approximately $52 billion.

The World Bank estimates that costs for rebuilding physical assets range between $140 billion and $345 billion, with a "conservative best estimate" of $216 billion.

Aleppo province and the Damascus countryside, which were major rebel strongholds subjected to intense bombardment during the war's early phases, suffered the most extensive destruction.

Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Middle East division director, remarked, "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."

The reconstruction costs are estimated to be ten times greater than Syria's projected GDP for 2024, highlighting the enormous financial burden facing the country.

Since Assad's removal from power, Syria's new government has been actively working to attract investment for reconstruction efforts, signing agreements with various companies and governments, including those from Gulf countries.

Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh acknowledged that the report "provides a critical baseline of the massive scale of the destruction and of the reconstruction costs ahead."

"Now, more than ever, it is imperative for the international community to mobilize support and partnership to help Syria restore essential infrastructure, revitalize communities, and lay the foundation for a more resilient future for its people," he added.