UNOPS targets services to support infrastructure damage assessments and reconstruction, including shelters and housing, roads and bridges, schools and health facilities among others.

As cross-cutting goals, UNOPS makes special efforts to stimulate local employment and capacity development as well as to take into consideration the environmental and gender component of the projects.
Rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected areas

Democratic Republic of the Congo

During Mount Nyiragongo’s most recent eruption in 2002, lava flows destroyed part of Goma city centre prompting the evacuation of 300,000 people and leaving nearly 130,000 people homeless. In order to provide more effective warning to the people living near the volcano, a Volcano and Environmental Risk Management Unit was opened in 2007 to support Goma Volcano Observatory (OVG) in the scientific al observation of volcanic activities and estimate the risk s level in the area. The risk management unit is part of a project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by UNOPS.

Guatemala

In the aftermath of flooding caused by Hurricane Stan, the Government of Guatemala requested UN assistance for the administration, management and technical support of a national public infrastructure project in December 2005 that targeted the most affected areas. The initiative also sought to ensure the professional monitoring of public investments. As part of the project UNOPS administered bidding and contract awards, provided consultancy services for studies, planning, designs as well as the estimated construction costs and work schedule for a new police station in Villa Nueva.

Indonesia

The 2004 tsunami left more than 200,000 dead or missing in Indonesia, destroying vast amounts of infrastructure and displacing more than half a million people. The United Nations Children’s Fund hired UNOPS to implement the construction of new permanent primary schools in the Aceh and Nias regions on behalf of the Government of Indonesia. By the end of March 2008 UNOPS had completed and handed more than 100 schools to UNICEF. More than 615 classrooms had been built, benefiting nearly 18,500 students in Aceh and Nias Island. Furthermore, the constructed schools set new standards in earthquake resistance and all are adapted to the specific needs of each community and the requirements of each construction site.

Pakistan

The earthquake of 8 October 2005 in the northern regions of Pakistan left 2.8 million people homeless, more than 80,000 dead and an equal number injured. As part of the UNDP Early Recovery Framework, UNDP and the European Commission launched the Community Based Livelihoods Recovery Programme for Earthquake Affected Areas of North-West Frontier Province and Azad Jammu & Kashmir to support immediate and mid-term livelihood recovery of vulnerable populations in those areas. UNOPS implements various aspects of the programme, including recruitment of the chief technical adviser and other personnel, sub-contracting and procurement of necessary goods and services.

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, the 2004 tsunami created acute needs for reconstruction assistance. In 2007 alone UNOPS completed and delivered more than 150 buildings to clients while developing local capacity through contractor development training and mentoring. Among other projects, UNOPS is reconstructing four major bridges in Sri Lanka with Government of Spain tsunami funding, improving access to schools, hospitals and markets for communities in remote eastern areas of the island nation.