Residents of southern Beirut neighborhoods affected by recent conflict say reconstruction efforts have stalled and financial compensation has been delayed, leaving many families in damaged homes or temporary shelters.

In the areas of Mrayjeh and Sainte Thérèse, residents say promised aid has not materialized, and ongoing reconstruction has been halted without explanation. 

In Mrayjeh, a resident named Ali said his home was nearly destroyed.

“We were told that reconstruction would begin quickly and that compensation would be paid within a few months,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat. “In reality, we only received four months of temporary shelter assistance worth around $2,000. Since then, nothing.”

Ali said his home remains uninhabitable, with structural, electrical, and plumbing damage, and no compensation for repairs.

“I’ve spent over $10,000 from my own savings,” he said, estimating he would need at least $30,000 more to complete the work.

A few weeks ago, residents were officially informed that repairs would stop “until further notice.” According to Ali, the contractor assigned by Hezbollah told them that funding had been suspended.

“They only repaired one wall, then left,” he said.

Many families have since moved out, while others continue living in unsafe conditions. Inquiries to the relevant authorities are met with the same response: “There is no funding at the moment. Please wait.”

In another case, Mohammad, an 80-year-old resident, said his home was destroyed and remains unrepaired.

“The roof collapsed, the walls were damaged, and the electricity and plumbing are still not fixed,” he said.

He added that an elevator in the building, which was supposed to be repaired, remains non-functional.

Mohammad received $8,000 for furniture losses, though he says the real cost was double. He estimates repairs would cost around $25,000.

“Since the temporary assistance ended, I haven’t received anything,” he said. “We’ve followed up several times but haven’t seen any results.”

He plans to start repairs himself.

“I can’t stay away from my home forever,” he said. “I would rather return, even in poor conditions, than stay somewhere unfamiliar.”

In Sainte Thérèse, Qassem, a homeowner, said he has not received compensation after his rental property was damaged.

“I depended on that rent to support my family and cover part of my daughters’ school tuition,” he said. “Losing it changed our financial situation.”

He said that while tenants received compensation, homeowners were told they would be paid at a later, unspecified stage.

“I’ve followed up multiple times, but there has been no progress,” he said.

Qassem now lives in a cheaper rental unit and is responsible for full rent and school fees.