Beirut (ILO News) – The rehabilitation of the historical alleys in the Lebanese coastal city of Jounieh, under the ILO’s Employment Intensive Infrastructure Programme (EIIP), funded by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank, is a noteworthy example of urban development that respects and protects cultural heritage. While the project enhances the historical charm of the city just north of the capital Beirut, it also addresses critical urban infrastructure concerns to create a safer, healthier and accessible environment.
At the heart of the initiative is the renewal of essential public services: storm water channels were upgraded to mitigate flooding risks, and a modern sewage network is connecting previously unlinked houses to the main sanitation system. These improvements support public health and environmental sustainability, laying the foundation for a more resilient urban neighbourhood.
The project integrates employment objectives with technical works by using labour-based, local resource-based technologies (LBRT). A total of 288 local workers — both men and women – have been engaged through 73 short-term decent work opportunities, generating over 10,760 worker-days and providing practical, hands-on training in stone paving, concrete carpentry and urban landscaping. This approach not only creates much-needed jobs but also strengthens local capacity and fosters a sense of community ownership.
The new pedestrian network features tiled alleys, planters and benches, along with a public square that opens access to the seafront, with native plants to complement the landscape layout. The rehabilitation works respect the historical context while supporting local livelihoods and sustainability. This is a valuable urban enhancement, linking the main Souk to the sea and creating spaces for visitors and residents to enjoy, while activating the economic and social potential of these alleys.
Accessibility considerations are integral to the project’s design. Features such as barrier-free paths and tactile paving ensure that individuals with mobility challenges and vision impairments can comfortably navigate the alleys and enjoy the renewed public realm.
The upgraded drainage system and connections to the municipal sewer network are also noteworthy for their environmental benefits, helping to safeguard the coastline and improve water quality in the area.
The initiative’s focus on practical infrastructure improvements and inclusive employment underscores the role of thoughtful urban planning in preserving the cultural identity of vibrant communities like Jounieh.
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