Nestled between the breathtaking rocky hills of north-west Yemen, Al-Tawilah District in Al-Mahwit Governorate is a testament to the resilience and beauty of humanity and natural history.  Al Mahwit Governorate captivates with its stunning valleys and harsh terrain, a beautiful yet challenging home for its 402,000 residents. This contrast of serene landscapes and daily struggles is evident in the lives of those relying on agriculture and small businesses for their livelihoods. 

"In this rugged beauty, we find the strength to overcome the challenges we have been facing," shares Fatima, a teacher in Al-Tawilah District. 

In Al-Gharbi, a sub-district of Al-Tawilah, a recent project has initiated a transformation to support challenges associated with poor road conditions, which have negatively affected mobility for residents. Local resident Saleh lost his wife during childbirth due to delays caused by the state of the road. His sorrow, which has deeply touched the community, has spread an urgent need for change.

"The road presented our biggest obstacle, offering us grief far more than assistance. Had it been in a better state, my wife might still be with us," explains Saleh. 

His reflections amplify the community's collective plea for essential infrastructure upgrades, underlining the necessity for a safer and more reliable route.

Paving 4,000 meters of the Al-Gharbi Road was supported through UNDP Yemen’s Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security, and Climate Adaptation in Yemen Joint Programme / ERRY JP III, in collaboration with local partner the Life Makers Meeting Place Organization (LMMPO) and  funded by the European Union and Government of Sweden. The project was a community effort, involving local workers, including 40 women, who received cash-for-work and were trained in road maintenance.