BEIRUT (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), under its Employment-Intensive Infrastructure Programme (EIIP) funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, has completed the rehabilitation and expansion of the Deddeh Municipality Building in the Koura District, North Lebanon. This intervention supports the improvement of essential public infrastructure and strengthening of public institutions, while creating decent employment opportunities for vulnerable populations and delivering sustainable development.

The Deddeh Municipality serves a population of over 17,000 residents, yet its municipal building had long suffered from structural and functional issues, including water leakage, electrical and plumbing failures, mould buildup, and general deterioration due to lack of maintenance. The facility was also not accessible to persons with disabilities and lacked the space to accommodate the full range of municipal functions. In response, the ILO launched a comprehensive project to restore the building and construct an additional floor. The expanded structure now features more office space, a room for municipal police, a dedicated community meeting room, and improved accessibility through ramps, a lift, and an accessible toilet.

The project adopted an employment-intensive approach that generated over 11,000 workdays and provided decent short-term jobs to 185 workers. Women’s participation was actively encouraged through paid on-the-job training, which enabled 65 women to gain new skills in construction-related tasks. This not only met immediate income needs but also helped enhance their future employability and presence in non-traditional sectors.

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Sustainability and climate-conscious design were integral to the intervention. The building now includes a green façade and stormwater management features that improve insulation, reduce runoff, and contribute to better air quality. Landscaping enhancements with flower boxes and greenery have transformed the municipal building into a more welcoming and environmentally friendly space.

Despite some implementation challenges, including access delays to parts of the site and concerns over low wages, the project team maintained daily coordination with the municipality and introduced task-based payments to motivate workers and improve productivity. ILO Social Safeguards Officers were present on-site throughout the project to ensure occupational safety, monitor labour conditions, and verify that environmental and social safeguard principles were implemented at all times.

The project successfully delivered both physical improvements and social impact by working closely with local authorities and emphasizing decent work principles. The upgraded building will enable Deddeh Municipality to expand its workforce and improve service delivery, while also serving as a space for community engagement.