Post-war challenges in Khartoum: Infrastructure, utilities, demolition waste management and sustainable recovery (PWAKIR)

Purpose This paper investigates Khartoum’s post-war recovery, focusing on infrastructure damage, urban challenges and waste management. This study aims to inform reconstruction efforts, fostering resilient urban recovery and symbolizing sustainable restoration (PWAKIR) [1]. Design/methodology/approach Staged reinforced concrete building assessments and multi-level bridge inspections are proposed. An emergency transportation plan and phased urban recovery strategy are outlined. A 5Rs demolition waste model (Replace, Reduce, Recover, Rectify and Return) addresses material use. Findings Khartoum sustained extensive infrastructure damage to buildings and critical bridges disrupting transportation. Urban areas are devastated services collapsed informal graveyards emerged intentional urbicide observed. Massive waste complicates reconstruction. Practical implications The findings of this study support safety decisions, rehabilitation and long-term recovery for buildings/bridges. The transportation plan offers strategies for restoring connectivity. Urban recovery addresses utility repairs and graveyard relocation. Waste model aids material recovery. Social implications Conflict displaced 31% of urban households, impacting services and social cohesion. Solutions aim to restore connectivity, mitigate health risks from informal graveyards and rebuild public trust via community engagement. Originality/value Systematic damage assessment for structures and bridges an emergency transportation plan and an urban recovery roadmap are presented. This study proposes an appropriate 5Rs demolition waste management model for sustainable material use.