BEIRUT (ILO News) – Representatives from Germany and the International Labour Organization (ILO) today attended the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated historic pedestrian network in the town of Rachaya El Wadi in Lebanon’s western Bekaa region. This marks a milestone in the town’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. In addition, the project created jobs and fostered inclusive development. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Rachaya and members of the local municipal council.

The rehabilitation works took place as part of the Employment-Intensive Infrastructure Programme (EIIP), implemented by the ILO and funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, in coordination with the Municipality of Rachaya El Wadi.

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The project has rehabilitated the inner alleys and historic pedestrian routes that connect to the famous old market street of Rachaya. Public spaces have been improved by installing seating areas, flower beds, potable water faucets, and public bathrooms. To carry out this work, 339 workers were employed among them 30 per cent women and 3 per cent persons with disabilities. Eighty-five of those employed benefitted from professional training in construction, steel bending, electrical installation, stone masonry and paving.

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“Through this project, Germany has contributed to preserving Lebanon’s heritage and revitalized public spaces for the benefit of locals and visitors alike,” said Uta Simon, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Beirut. “At the same time, our cooperation with ILO is designed to provide people in need with opportunities to earn an income and learn professional skills.”

“Today we celebrate the success of a project that reaffirms that preserving heritage can go hand in hand with economic and social development, and that investing in people remains the cornerstone of building more resilient and sustainable communities,” said ILO EIIP Chief Technical Advisor Richard Lorenz. “The project has created hundreds of jobs, restored livelihoods, supported families and strengthened communities – all made possible through generous funding from the Government of Germany.”

Mayor of Rachaya El Wadi Rashrash Naji expressed his gratitude for the positive impact the project has had on the town, noting: “This project has reinforced the heritage character of Rachaya, adding authenticity to its traditions and depth to its history. It provided many job opportunities for the youth of Rachaya, using local stone—the traditional Rashani stone extracted from the town’s own land. This vital and significant project would not have seen the light of day without the support of the German government and the International Labour Organization, who believed in the importance of this initiative and its valuable role in preserving the region’s heritage.”

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