Handing over for the rehabilitation of Sioufi Garden and Jisr El-Wati Courts in Beirut, Lebanon

The Sioufi Garden and Jisr el Wati Courts are two of eight public green spaces that will see a significant transformation, with a total of 75,000 square meters of green spaces being rehabilitated and upgraded in Beirut and Bourj Hammoud. These revitalized areas will provide accessible, inclusive and safe public areas while promoting social interaction and physical well-being for residents. The Sioufi Garden[1]  and Jisr el Wati Courts were designed while taking into consideration insights from the local community to cater for people of all ages and abilities.

“SiMA is not just about rebuilding; it is about building back better, smarter, and greener. At its heart is the vision of empowering local communities, providing people, especially the younger generations, with places to engage, grow, and thrive. These projects are designed to foster a sense of belonging, health, and well-being for all.” said Kurt Georg Stoeckl-Stillfried, German Ambassador to Lebanon.

“We are deeply grateful to the German government for its generous contribution towards the rehabilitation of Sioufi Garden and Jisr El Wati Courts. This effort carries special significance for Beirut and its community, particularly given the difficulties the city has faced in recent years. We eagerly anticipate the completion of the remaining interventions under this project and the positive change they will continue to bring to our city.” said the Governor of Beirut, H.E. Judge Marwan Abboud.

“Upholding our commitment to inclusion, and acknowledging the voices of the local communities, UNOPS has applied an integrated and inclusive approach ensuring that everyone can access Sioufi Garden and Jisr el Wati Courts, and engage, and participate in the activities.” said Muhammed Usman Akram, the Representative and Director of UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman.

“By transforming this space into a hub for sports and community interaction, we are ensuring that public assets serve the wider community, fostering social wellbeing, health, and vitality for generations to come.” said the Director General of the Railway and Public Transport Authority, Mr Ziad Shayya. 

This initiative is part of the Sustainable Integrated Municipal Actions (SIMA) project which is financed by the German Government through KfW Development Bank and implemented by UNOPS.

SiMA is a multi-year project improving and restoring access to critical municipal services and increasing the resilience of the local communities in Beirut and Bourj Hammoud through an integrated and sustainable approach.  

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About UNOPS: 

UNOPS offers practical solutions to the UN and other partners, across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org. 

UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman implements projects in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen and implements work in partnership with bilateral and multilateral donors, national governments, and other UN agencies.