Gaza debuts its first waterfront eatery
Presenting exquisite flavours with serene views
We witnessed the grand opening of Qalaa, a pioneering restaurant in Gaza, offering patrons a unique dining experience over the expanse of the Mediterranean. Distinguished as the first of its kind in the besieged enclave, Qalaa stands on stilts strategically positioned in the water, defying the challenges posed by the persistent lack of suitable concrete resulting from Israel's ongoing siege. Overcoming this hurdle required innovative engineering solutions, particularly in drilling within a watery environment without the essential equipment.
Engineer Mahmoud Abu Kamil, owner of Al Jazeera Construction Office, told MEMO: “We faced the most difficult problem, which is the lack of cement that is not affected by weather factors, and we circumvented this by changing the proportions of the concrete mixture so that it helps in resisting weather and water factors, as well as coating it with bitumen and protecting the reinforcing steel.”
Engineers tackled the issue by utilizing a specialized rig and employing a method of raising and lowering the necessary drilling equipment in and out of the water. This inventive approach not only addressed the immediate construction challenges but also showcased the resourcefulness and proficiency of Gaza's engineering community.
Mahmoud, an advocate for the project, emphasized that the successful completion of Qalaa underscores the remarkable capabilities of Gaza's engineers, who demonstrated resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversities imposed by the challenging circumstances in the region.
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