The “Local Infrastructure Facility” (LIF) Unit is working with local communities to support the development and implementation of projects to improve urban and rural areas.

LIF launched in April 2019 with the aim of providing support and technical assistance for the design and implementation of projects which aim to improve environmental, social and economic infrastructure in the Turkish Cypriot community.

LIF is part of the projects and initiatives funded by the European Union (EU) designed to support confidence building measures in Cyprus.

LIF coordinates and executes infrastructure projects funded by the European Union and is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.

It has the mandate to identify, select, bring to maturation, tender and implement sustainable projects selected through a continued participatory process involving the EU, UNDP and the local communities.

THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION

Since 2018 approximately €12.56 million of European Union funds have been provided by the European Commission to implement the priorities of the Local Infrastructure Facility.

Works and services which are completed, ongoing, or in the process of being procured under the LIF project are:

Kormakitis Centre for Cooperation

The Kormakitis Centre for Cooperation aims to offer a wide range of programmes and learning opportunities, including languages and traditions, nature preservation, recycling and the agricultural development of organic products. The centre will also host events promoting multiculturalism both in Cyprus and beyond. In addition, young artists will have opportunities to showcase their artistic talents and skills through cultural activities. With regards to facilities, the centre will be equipped to provide basic accommodation and catering for groups of up to 60 people.

Morphou/Guzelyurt WWTP extension project

The purpose of the project is to double the capacity of the existing WWTP. UNDP has concluded the design & build procurement process and a contractor has been contracted as of November 2021.  The designs stage has been completed in April 2022 and the works have started in May 2022. Works will be completed by the end of July 2023.

Feasibility study to improve public services in Nicosia Walled City

The main objectives of the Nicosia Walled City Feasibility Study project is to take a holistic approach to infrastructure planning, developing resilient, sustainable and financially viable infrastructure solutions with the aim of revitalising the city by enhancing the standard of living, promoting parity of opportunity for all. The project is ongoing and will last until September 2023.

Rehabilitation of Kouklia/Kukla Reservoir

The rehabilitation of the Kouklia/Kukla reservoir includes repairs to the reservoir earth filled body and other elements such as the spill-over, bridge and sluice gate. The overall objectives of the project are to improve water management in the Kouklia/Kukla reservoir area benefiting agriculture producers and to ensure protection of the wetlands, increasing environmental standards for the wildlife.

Energy Efficiency Projects at Lefka/Lefke

The overall objective of the project is to generate energy savings through key investments in the operation of the Local Community services and to increase the production of renewable energy. Amongst, the energy efficiency measures is the introduction of automation and SCADA systems for the Local Community water pumping system and the replacement of water reservoirs. The installation of PV panels will provide for clean energy production. 

Pedieos/Kanlıdere river project

A contract has been signed to design a bicycle path and a walking path along the Pedieos/Kanlıdere river. As part of this project, rare species of flora and fauna found in the river will be protected, flood protection will be carried out in key locations and the population of Nicosia will be benefiting from a recreational area designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Replacing of The Existing Wastewater Pumps with Smart Pumps for Energy Efficiency

This project aims to change conventional pumping stations with smart ones to save energy, to have safer working conditions for site team, cleaner wet wells and clog-free pumping, monitoring system to solve problems earlier. This is needed to minimize the failures, hence the overflowing of the wastewater to the environment for the community health. Delivery of the equipment to be completed by December 2023.

COVID Assistance – 3 packages

1^st Phase: In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, EU funding was provided through the UNDP LIF project to supply healthcare services and local communities in the northern part of Cyprus with kits, hygienic items and relevant PPE. This activity contributed to the good health and wellbeing of the Turkish Cypriot community.

2^nd Phase: in April – May 2023, a second COVID-19 assistance package was supplied to the Turkish Cypriot community to support them in their preparedness to respond to future outbreaks. 

3^rd Phase: A final support to healthcare services is planned in December 2023 through the provision of laboratory equipment needed to upgrade their capacities in managing potential future pandemics.

Mandres/Hamitkoy

With the support of the European Commission, the local community has developed a sewerage plan for one of their locality in 2018. The plan foresees two phases of implementation, sub-divided into 5 zones. Currently, LIF project is preparing to implement Zone 1. The project contributes to clean water and sanitation.

Seed Selection and Packaging Centre

The LIF project has been tasked by the European Union to provide assistance in the establishment of a new cleaning, selection and packaging centre. The purpose of the centre is to improve the quality of locally produced seeds in line with EU standards. The project will include the construction of a new warehouse, the supply and installation of seed cleaning, selection and packaging equipment as well as some auxiliary equipment.

Bi-communal Solar Power Plant – Pre-feasibility study

The main specific objective of the assignment is to develop a comprehensive pre-feasibility study for the implementation of a bi-communal solar power plant project of 30-50 MW capacity in Cyprus. The pre-feasibility study will look at the technical, regulatory, environmental, economic and financial aspects of the project.

Decommissioning (Septage acceptance station) and PV panels installation

This project includes two components: the decommissioning of part of the old Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP); and the installation of PV panels next to the new Nicosia WWTP. Under the first component, a new septage acceptance station will be built as part of the new Nicosia WWTP in addition to the decommissioning of some of the ponds. Through the implementation of the second component, the intention is to reduce electricity consumption from the grid and increase the use of the renewable energy.

Cross-cutting Activities under LIF

Capacity Building

Under the framework of the LIF Call for Proposals, capacity building activities are being implemented since 2020, with the active involvement of local community representatives. The aim of the activities is to support the local communities in developing fully-fledged project proposals within the thematic area specified by LIF, ie. Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings.  

The women representatives of the local communities have shown great interest and have benefited from the capacity building activities with a significant rate of participation.

Gender Mainstreaming:

Gender mainstreaming is a key part of the LIF project. LIF aims to enable the full participation of women in all areas, from construction to decision-making. A gender balanced stakeholder and community participation is envisaged, both within UNDP’s LIF Technical Experts and Management Teams, as well as in the LIF governance mechanisms and partners.

In addition to the above mentioned, a gender action plan, an assessment & risk report as well as a fully-fledged training programme have been developed, providing some activities, performance targets and indicators aiming to address the specific roles and needs of women in local infrastructure by:

• Ensuring gender balanced stakeholder and community participation;

• Facilitating the active and equal participation of men and women in the target population in the implementation of the project;

• Developing gender-responsive indicators to assess if the project generates the intended benefits for both men and women;

• Assessing the capacities of government authorities to implement the recommendations from the gender analysis and providing support as needed to ensure leadership.