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world1d ago
‘It fails under testing, but it’s what we have’: ban forces Palestinians to make their own cement from rubble
- Latest development: Gaza relies on a rubble-based substitute cement for finishing work due to ongoing material bans.
- What it is: A cement-like mix made from 60% cement dust blended with lime, gypsum and binding agents for brickwork.
- Who is affected: Gaza residents rely on improvised cement as imports remain blocked and reconstruction stalls.
- Scale and cost: The substitute is produced at a small scale and remains far from meeting Gaza’s needs.
- Expert warning: The substitute cement cannot be relied upon long-term and is unsuitable for structural use.
- Health risk: Dust from the rubble-based mix poses severe health hazards to workers and residents.
- Economic impact: The substitute cement broadens access to finishing work but remains unaffordable for many.
- Examples of use: The substitute cement is used for finishing like plastering and tiling in homes and public sites.
- Industry perspectives: Engineers acknowledge the mix’s limits but see it as a temporary lifeline.
- Context: The ceasefire and relief efforts have yet to unblock reconstruction, delaying recovery.
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