The duration it takes to rebuild a city after a war varies depending on several factors, including the type of war, the extent of damage inflicted on the city, the type of reconstruction required (rebuilding as it was or redeveloping with better and newer buildings), and the city’s readiness to create job opportunities, receive returning residents and attract investors. It also depends on the availability of resources for reconstruction.
Rebuilding a city after a major war or conflict can take years or even decades, depending on the severity of the damage and the availability of resources. In some cases, countries and cities have managed to rebuild and even improve their infrastructure and economy after devastating wars. Germany and Japan, for example, were able to rebuild their cities and become some of the world’s strongest economies in the aftermath of World War II.
However, in the case of Khartoum, Sudan, the situation may be different due to its pre-existing economic challenges and the limited availability of local resources for reconstruction. While most of the buildings in Khartoum may not have been destroyed, many suffered partial damage during the conflict, primarily due to looting, theft, and deliberate destruction. The immediate challenge for Khartoum will likely involve debris removal and repairing damaged buildings rather than completely rebuilding them.
The city also faces environmental challenges, including body accumulation in the streets and abandoned areas, posing significant health and environmental risks. Cleaning the city from the war’s debris and addressing the environmental issues may take up to a year.
Restoring essential services such as water, electricity, and communication networks in some areas of Khartoum may not take an extended period, likely a few months.
One of the significant challenges will be the return of economic activity and the business sector, which was severely impacted during the war. Reestablishing the commercial sector will take time, especially considering that many businesses were looted or destroyed, and economic activity halted. Experts estimate that it may take up to three years for the commercial sector to return to a minimum operational level.
The industrial sector, which suffered significant damage to factories and equipment, may require up to 10 years for full recovery, according to experts.
The government sector and public services, including ministries, institutions, and hospitals, also suffered substantial damage. Restarting these institutions will depend on additional resources, including external aid and international funding. Experts estimate a minimum of one year for these institutions to operate at a basic level.
While these estimates provide a rough overview, the human cost of war, including the loss of lives and the psychological impact on the population, cannot be underestimated. The scars of war may persist in the memory of generations, even as the city rebuilds physically and economically.