In Lebanon, the inhabitants of Beirut are struggling to recover from the double explosion that devastated the Lebanese capital on August 4. Reconstruction is time consuming and costly for residents, who have also suffered from the economic crisis that has plagued the country for months. Scenting for good deals, real estate developers want to take advantage of the situation. They seek to convince distraught owners to sell their property, especially in devastated historic districts.

In the district of Gemmayzé, the Ghoulam family is trying to rebuild their house, typical of the architecture of the district. But this gem is of interest to developers. "Real estate agents came to see us to buy. Not one, not two, but several developers," says Élie Ghoulam.

“I told them, 'OK for $ 500 million per square meter!' They want to buy the house to build a modern building. They are foreign investors who want to steal our country, "he continues.

>> To read also: "Lebanon: Beirut's architectural heritage in danger after the double explosion"

Thousands of houses were damaged in the double explosion in the port of Beirut on August 4. According to Unesco, nearly 640 historic buildings, located in old quarters, are devastated. Some even threaten to collapse. NGOs are therefore mobilized to act before it is too late.

The summary of the week France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR