Hizbullah spends millions to rebuild southern suburbs

source

AFP, here, via Qifa Nabki

"...The project, dubbed Waad (pledge in Arabic), has won the heart of Hassoun but has also raised a storm of political dust between Hizbullah and the government, whose authority in the southern suburbs has lagged for decades. Waad has adopted modern criteria to build earthquake-proof apartment blocs, widen streets and pavements in this once-congested area and put parking lots and artesian wells where there were none. "The war damaged 1,200 buildings and destroyed 282 others," said Jechi, adding that in addition to the 241 buildings that Waad is rebuilding, Hizbullah association Jihad For Reconstruction is restoring 951 others.

People have already moved into 20 buildings and the entire project should be completed within 18 months, he added.....Analysts say the reconstruction drive has triggered new rivalries between Hizbullah and the authorities and is bolstering the popularity of the Shiite militant group..."

Posted by G, Z, & or B at 9:51 AM