QRCS to Winterize 5,400 Syrian Tents in Arsal

Doha, November 18 (QNA) - Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched a new winterization project for the Syrian refugees in Arsal, Lebanon, with a total budget of $569,687 (QR 2,071,660).
In the town of Arsal where 50,799 Syrians have sought refuge in either informal tented settlements or substandard buildings, there lies a great suffering during winter days. Low temperature in high-altitude areas exacerbates the already poor living conditions for many refugees living in tents that are exposed to external temperature, leaving them desperate and cold.
Syrians living in camps face severe weather conditions during winter days when the temperature reaches below zero in Arsal, yet their tents do not serve as a warm shelter because of the fuel shortfalls and unavailability of heating appliances.
This project is an attempt to improve the living conditions of Syrian refugees in Arsal by providing a good shelter insulating method to warm the refugees.
QRCS's strategy in Lebanon focuses on the areas with highest refugee density, areas where many INGOs do not venture, projects that are long term – given that the Syrian crisis continues to drag on, and projects that have a sustainable and preventative effect.
The expected outcomes of the project are warm conditions during winter days and cool temperature during summer days inside the tents, better living conditions for Syrian refugees in Arsal camps, prevention of insects and other pests from entering the tents, less fuel consumption, and consequently less probability of camp fires.
Providing better warming conditions for 102 camps that include around 28,000 refugees in Arsal, the project involves insulating the shelters of Syrian refugees using special materials for the tent. Insulation material will trap heat during winter leading to a better warming temperature inside the tent, as well as providing cool conditions during summer days, which will help improve the living conditions in the camps.
Cross-linked polyethylene, aluminum foiled foam insulation sheets will be used, which are lightweight, easy-to-handle, and fire-retardant. The foil-faced wrap insulation makes an excellent thermal barrier as well as a barrier for radon, moisture, termites, and other pests. They work in both hot and cold climate, giving a superior insulating value. The 45-day project will help save $999,273 worth of heating fuel over three days. (QNA)