Background: Security gap in Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism?
Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA 20 October 2014

Most descriptions of the measures to monitor dual use materials inside the
Gaza Strip focus on materials to be supplied to large construction projects
in which it is possible to associate observable progress in construction
with predetermined quantities of construction material.

There is, however, another element to the reconstruction program that is
considerably more challenging for effective monitoring.

According to the UNITED NATIONS Office of the Special Coordinator for the
Middle East Peace Process Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism
Fact Sheet
http://www.unsco.org/Gaza%20Reconstruction%20Mechanism%20Fact%20Sheet%209%20October%202014.pdf

"After a basic assessment of damages sustained and quantities required for
repairs (either by the GoP or the UN) owners/dwellers will be able to
purchase aggregate, bar, cement and other ‘dual use’ materials from
GoP‐approved vendors in Gaza. A small proportion of these works will
undergo a spot‐check by UN‐contracted engineers. This process will enable
the rehabilitation of an estimated 80,000 damaged homes and properties.

A huge quantity of dual use material - enough for the rehabilitation of an
estimated 80,000 damaged homes and properties - is going to be supplied to
Gaza vendors, who in turn will sell the material and all this with only spot
checks of "a small proportion" of the work - with the spot checks being
carried out by engineers - including Gazans - contracted by the UN.

The following is IMRA's SMS exchange with Ms. Nicole Ganz Spokesperson. UN
Office of the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process

Question: Dear Nicole Ganz- look forward to hearing which engineers being
hired by UN for spot checks of use of material in repairing homes in Gaza.
Best regards. Aaron

Reply: The assigned unit of UN engineers/monitors will be composed of a
combination of national and international staff. The monitoring will be
carried out by the UN and not sub-contracted to any engineering company, or
any commercial entity for that matter.

Question: Thanks! So it is correct to write that the engineers who
physically go to worksites where housing units are being repaired will
include both engineers from Gaza and engineers from overseas (that the
foreign engineers are not just higher level positions who send others out to
the field)?
Best regards
Aaron

Reply: Correct