Benghazi, 10/April/2021 – With support from the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under “Resilince4Libya” reconstructed the corniche located in the Sedi Akhribish historic area of Benghazi city stretching along the Mediterranean Sea.

The construction covered a 9,000 square meter area and included plastering, tiling, lighting and connecting electricity as well as the addition of the “#Benghazi” art installation to vivify the new landmark.

The corniche is considered the heart of the old Benghazi city. The area, which sits on the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Berniki, has been affected by the conflict leaving many buildings in rubbles or bullet riddled. The renovation of the corniche aims to bring back life to one of the most popular parts of the city and provide an enhanced public space for locals and visitors to enjoy.

UNDP and the EU handed it over to the Municipality of Benghazi in a ceremony that took place today at the Corniche.

Mayor of Benghazi Mr. Sakar Aboujwarey, said, “we are very happy about this great achievement, and for giving importance to the Corniche area which has a special sanctity for us. The reconstruction will beautify the city and will increase the recreational areas for the residents of Benghazi as well as provide a tourist landmark overlooking the sea".

On his part, EU Ambassador Mr. Jose Sabadell, stated, “The European Union is proud to have supported the rehabilitation the corniche - a landmark at the heart of Benghazi’s old city. We are aware of the difficulties that citizens in Benghazi have been experiencing, due to the past conflict and the destruction it has afflicted on the city. We hope that this initiative will provide a space for recreation that the families of Benghazi deserve. As Libya’s institutions unite to prepare for elections and restore services and infrastructure, we hope that the renovation of the Benghazi Corniche will mark a step towards a more comprehensive reconstruction of the city of Benghazi in the years to come.”

UNDP Libya Resident Representative Mr. Gerardo Noto, acknowledged, “improving public spaces in Libya is crucial in our efforts to promote peace and social cohesion in a country that has experienced conflict, division and destruction. Providing access to a safe, vibrant and inclusive public space such as this one will also have a positive impact on residents’ mental and physical wellbeing, strengthen social cohesion. This rehabilitated site will make people of Benghazi proud as a symbol of rebuilding their city and their community.”

The “Resilience4Libya” project aims to support local authorities restore essential services delivery, security and livelihood opportunities. So far, 1.7 million people are benefiting from the rehabilitation of over 30 key social infrastructures, provision of essential health equipment and US$2 million investment in water and sanitation.

Background:

This project is implemented in the framework of the programme "Managing mixed migration flows in Libya through expanding protection space and supporting local socioeconomic development" financed by the North of Africa Window of the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. The main objective of this programme is to comprehensively reinforce protection and resilience of migrants, refugees and host communities in Libya while supporting an improved migration management along the migration routes in the country.

For more information, or media interviews please contact: media.ly@undp.org