Tripoli, 02/August/2022 –  United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Marc-André Franche visited Misrata and Tawergha to engage with local authorities and observe progress towards stabilization and peace, enabling returns in Tawergha.

Following a decade-long conflict, resulting in the displacement of its residents, local representatives from Misrata and Tawergha reached a peace agreement in 2018 with support from the United Nations. With UNDP and other partners, local authorities, together with the peace committee, helped re-establish basic services, create jobs and improve social cohesion, allowing more than 3000 families to return home, according to data from the Municipality.

Mr. Franche met with the Mayor of Misrata and the Social Council to discuss the development challenges and opportunities in the area, and with the Head of Tawergha Local Council, Abd al-Rahman Al Shakshak, and members of the Local Council, to review the significant progress done in Tawergha towards providing returnees the tools to have decent lives. They also discussed new possible initiatives to continue building the partnership with the peace committee.

Abd al-Rahman Al Shakshak, Head of Tawergha Local Council, stated: “UNDP initiatives have provided a lot to Tawergha, as more than 45% of the population returned to the city thanks to the basic services restored such as education, health and job opportunities.” He emphasized the importance of the water purification initiative, “As water is the basis of life,” he said. “The renewable solar energy lighting poles in the city’s streets enhance the safety of our residents,” he concluded.

The delegation headed by Mr. Franche visited the water purification plant, the rehabilitated Shohada school, and several start-ups that have created more than 70 job opportunities, promoting women empowerment within the workspace. All initiatives implemented by UNDP.

Mr. Franche stated: “I’m happy to be here today to witness the results of the reconciliation agreement and of the efforts to rebuild the city, the return of children to their schools, families being able to safely take walks at night with lit streets, and the continuous work to create better conditions for the people of Tawergha.”

In partnership with national and local authorities and supported by the Government of Libya, Canada, Denmark, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, UK, and USA, UNDP was able to help the local authorities restore vital facilities and boost capacities to improve basic services delivery in Tawergha and Misrata.