Tripoli- Today, the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) inaugurated the first sewage treatment plant in Garabulli, which provides improved access to sanitation and a healthier environment for 67,000 people including 5880 migrants.

The Municipality of Garabulli was facing significant challenges in managing its wastewater contaminating groundwater and farming land, causing environmental and health risks for its citizens. In addition, the effects of demographic growth in the area on service enhancements. In response to these challenges, UNDP, in partnership with MoLG through the EU-funded Baladiyati programme, supported the Garabulli Municipality in supplying and installing four portable sewage treatment plants, with a total capacity of 2000 m3 per day.

During today’s ceremony, Minister of Local Government, Dr. Bader Al-Deen Al-Tomi, said: “The opening of the portable sewage treatment plant in Garabulli is considered a continuation of the Ministry of Local Government's approach to supporting municipalities and transferring competencies to them, as well as direct international support through partnership with the EU and UNDP to achieve this goal.  European Union and the United Nations Development Program in order to achieve the goal of improvement of basic services. This transfer of competencies contributes to local stability and sustainable development.”

EU Ambassador, José Antonio Sabadell, added: “Safe, clean and affordable water is the fundamental basis for our health, food security and a healthy environment. Its provision is becoming a challenge all over the world. The EU is proud to work with the government and Libyan municipalities on putting in place the necessary infrastructure to ensure people across Libya have access to clean water.”

UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Marc-André Franche, also expressed commitment to the Municipality: " Supporting municipalities to deliver critical services to its citizens is at the core of our Local Peacebuilding efforts to strengthen trust between citizens and institutions. We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Local Government and the EU to promote sustainable development across Libya.”

Since 2017, UNDP has supported 52 Municipalities, in partnership with MoLG and through generous funding by the EU, to deliver critical basic services as a pathway to recovery. Priority needs have been identified through a participatory process engaging the municipality offices and local stakeholders/peace structures. So far, the people in Garabulli benefited from improved access to critical services and improved sewage and solid waste management through rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and provision of equipment.

“Strengthening basic services is vital for the achievement of local development in municipalities, which is led by the Ministry of Local Government. We are happy to partner with the EU and UNDP to achieve this goal”, ended Mr. Mohamed Ballot, Mayor of Garabulli.

Background

The supply and installation of the four units of portable sewage treatment plants in Garabulli is part of the EU funded "Baladiyati" programme implemented by UNDP, the Italian Development Agency (AICS) and UNICEF. The €50 million “Recovery, Stability and Socio-economic Development Programme” currently works with 24 municipalities across Libya with the aim of improving people’s access to quality public services such as education, health, water and sanitation. The programme is funded by the European Union through the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, to improve living conditions and build resilience among vulnerable populations, including migrants, refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees and host communities.

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