Stockholm  - Damage to Swedish-funded projects in Gaza during the recent fighting there totalled some 2.3 million dollars, according to a survey published Wednesday.

The estimate was presented in a report commissioned by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

Consultant Johan Brisman, who conducted the study, added that "repair costs can be estimated to be between 2 and 4 times that amount."

Brisman spent a week on the ground in Gaza reviewing the damage to projects ranging from small-scale agriculture to infrastructure such as sewage treatment plants and power transmission lines.

In his recommendations, Brisman noted that it was not clear when Israel would allow sizeable imports of cement and fuel to Gaza. The impediments could force the shelving of larger infrastructure projects like the Gaza International Airport, he said.

In the meantime, focus should be on restoring agriculture which also would create jobs, as well as clear rubble and repair roads, and provide water, cooking fuel and electricity, Brisman said.

Immediate funding was also needed for health and human rights programmes, he added said. (dpa)