Municipalities and Unions of Municipalities in Lebanon receive financial support for the implementation of projects responding to urgent needs in their communities

December 15, 2021


Beirut, 15 December 2021
– Nine municipalities and two unions will receive financial support to implement local economic development and basic services projects which will benefit more than one million direct and indirect beneficiaries in the South, North and Matn regions of Lebanon. More than US$ 5.5 million USD will be financed in implementing these projects as part of the Municipal Empowerment and Resilience Project (MERP).

MERP is a joint initiative implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities and funded by the European Union through its Regional Trust Fund, “Madad” fund. The overall goal of the MERP project is to strengthen the long-term resilience of subnational authorities in Lebanon as well as host communities, refugees, and displaced persons affected by the Syrian crisis.

The identification of municipal and unions projects was conducted by MERP through a lengthy process that started with a call for concept note launched at the end of 2020. The call was open to more than 80 municipalities and the unions under which these municipalities are affiliated, including the Urban Community Al-Fayhaa, the Union of Tyre Municipalities, and the Federation of Municipalities of the Northern and Coastal Matn. In total 33 municipalities and two unions submitted concept notes for basic services and local economic development projects.

After a technical and legal review conducted by MERP, 17 municipalities and two unions were invited for the proposal development phase. During this period, MERP provided ongoing support to municipalities and unions in the development of the proposals. Shortlisted municipalities and unions collaborated with youth and civil society and participated in extensive online training and coaching sessions on proposal development. This ensured that municipalities with different capacities were enabled to compete in the process. In addition, the approach led to the development of technical skills necessary to develop strong proposals with which municipalities and unions can attract external funding for future projects. After a final scoring and review, MERP selected a total of 11 projects for implementation. However, MERP also aims to support municipalities that were not selected to secure funding from other partners, including by organizing a municipal fair as part of this activity in which all municipalities had a chance to present their projects.

The final selected projects include:

  • In the north: the rehabilitation and strengthening of the fire brigade at the Urban Community Al-Fayhaa and the establishment of a hub for emerging youth entrepreneurs at Beddawi will fortress and provide support to pre-existing agricultural initiatives.
  • In Matn: In Bekfaya-Mahydse support will be provided to micro-, medium- and small-scale enterprises and create new livelihoods opportunities for residents from all nationalities. In Nabay, a solar energy project will be implemented to generate renewable and environment friendly energy.
  • In the south: the establishment of Dar Sour, an agricultural market, and the rehabilitation of El Hesba market in Tyre will support farmers, secure agricultural laboratory services in the region, and create new job opportunities. The rehabilitation of the water pond and agricultural roads in Al Boustan village will enable irrigation for agriculture and increase agricultural land. The establishment of a new sewage line in Teir Debba will help reduce environmental and health risks for residents. In Alma El Chaab, support will focus on the rehabilitation of the existing well to increase agricultural lands. In Deir Qanoun El Nahr, a solar energy project will be implemented to generate renewable and environment friendly energy. Lastly, in Qana, support will be provided to establish a popular market and help farmers from Qana and neighboring villages market their products.

In parallel, and following a municipal finance assessment finalized in 2021, MERP will support the implementation of municipal finance solutions at the unions and municipalities selected for project implementation to strengthen revenue collection/budget efficiency and promote transparency and responsiveness. This in turn will support the longer-term sustainability of the proposed projects.

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For more information please contact:

Aline Kiwan, MERP Media and Communication Officer, at aline.kiwan@un.org, mobile 03-294070

Note to editors

About the Municipal Empowerment and Resilience Project (MERP)

MERP is a joint project by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The Project is being implemented between 2019 and 2022 in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities (MoIM) and funded by the European Union (EU), through its Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis, the EU “Madad Fund”. The project aims to strengthen the long-term resilience of subnational authorities in Lebanon as well as host communities and displaced persons affected by the Syrian crisis. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3hBveux

About the European Union (EU)

The European Union supports Lebanon’s stability, independence and sovereignty, its prosperity and democratic order. It strives also to help protect its environment and natural resources by supporting sustainable enterprise and development. The European Union is also committed to the promotion and protection of human rights in Lebanon including defending gender equality, children’s rights and freedom of expression.

The EU Delegation in Lebanon represents the European Union to the Republic of Lebanon with the objective to maintain and develop mutual beneficial relations. It engages in political, social and economic development activities on behalf of the European Union and based on the most pressing needs of the country of Lebanon.

Learn more on the work of the EU in Lebanon or follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @EUinLebanon

Learn more on the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis, the EU Madad Fund, or follow on Twitter at @EU_NEAR, on Facebook at EU Neighbourhood & Enlargement and on Instagram at EU_NEAR

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.lb.undp.org or follow on Twitter at @UNDP_Lebanon, on Facebook at UNDP Lebanon and on Instagram at UNDP_Lebanon

About the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

UN-Habitat works in over 90 countries supporting people in cities and human settlements for a better urban future. Working with governments and local partners, its high impact projects combine world-class expertise and local knowledge to deliver timely and targeted solutions. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a dedicated Goal on cities, SDG 11 – to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Learn more at www.unhabitat.org/lebanon or follow on Twitter at @UNHabitatLB, on Facebook at UN-Habitat Lebanon and on Instagram at UNHabitatLB