Comprehension: Old Sana’a: An endangered UNESCO heritage site

Since Yemen's Arab-Spring style uprising in 2011, authorities have been absorbed with the political crisis and security concerns, having little time to spare for heritage preservation. The Old City of Sana’a - a unique architectural marvel of Yemen's past - now faces the dual dangers of state indifference and unruly construction. 

Watch the video and answer the questions below.  Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. The oldest buildings were built in the 11th century.
a. True
b. False

2. The Old City of Sana’a was added to the UNESCO listing in 1986.
a. True
b. False

3. The people concerned with the preservation of the Old City of Sana’a only need 23 thousand dollars for its upkeep.
a.True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers

The dramatic Old City of Sana’a; many of these multi-storey homes made of rammed earth and brick date from the 11th century. There are more than 6,000 of them in the Yemeni capital, along with over 100 mosques; architectural treasures that helped earn the city a UNESCO listing in 1986. But unsympathetic modern construction and paltry government funds are threatening all of this, leaving those in charge of restoration exasperated. 

"Unfortunately, heritage hasn't gotten any kind of attention. For example the finance ministry hasn't decided anything worth mentioning." 

Not only neglect, but also recent sewage pipes installed along the city's narrow alleys and heavy rainfall could undermine the old city. Sana’a residents feel their precious heritage slipping out of their hands, and blame authorities for not doing enough to protect it. 

"They're not being cared for at all. The houses have been ruined like this for 15-20 years, with no maintenance at all, all of them are destroyed. They only paint the facade of the house while the interior is left in ruins." 

Those concerned with the old city's preservation say they only have a budget of 23 thousand dollars for its upkeep, a fraction of what is needed. 

"We won't accept Old Sana’a being eliminated from the world heritage list. So, we hope to get a helping hand in finding donors and gathering funds to support the city." 

UNESCO has organised several missions to the capital to help restoration projects. But they say no official information is available anymore on the state of its conservation due to security restrictions, leaving the fate of the Old City of Sana’a up in the air. 

Answers:

1. a
2. a
3. b

For information about eflex languages go to: http://www.eflexlanguages.com/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eflexlanguages