Urban planning is crucial for any community but especially for Libyan communities that faced years of conflict and limited government investment. Libya hasn’t had a functional urban development plan since 2000 and during that time random population growth has turned agricultural areas into densely populated neighborhoods leaving municipal offices, often with little expertise, struggling to deliver services that keep up with population growth.
To support municipalities in Libya, USAID’s Taqarib activity hosted a four day urban planning workshop in late July for engineers from municipal urban planning offices and civil society organizations. The workshop expanded on the e-learning urban planning courses offered by Taqarib and emphasized climate adaptation. This initiative teaches local communities ways to rebuild and enhance their infrastructure, fostering inclusive and sustainable development by actively shaping the physical, economic, social, and environmental landscape of cities and towns.
Representatives from the communities of Kabaw, Zliten, Tripoli Central, Tajoura, Abu Salim, and Batin al-Jabal participated. These communities, many of which have endured years of violence and resultant infrastructure damage, are now seizing the opportunity to rebuild and create resilient urban environments.
The workshop was led by engineer Nada Al-Fitouri, an experienced architect and urban designer, and Professor Hadia Ali Qana of the Libyan Historic Commission. They covered topics including urban area management, the economic and environmental impacts of urban planning, strategies for addressing climate change, and the preservation of historical sites. This diverse range of subjects is designed to equip municipal leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of urban development in post-conflict settings.
USAID is committed to supporting Libyan municipalities in their efforts to enhance service delivery and improve the quality of life for their citizens. USAID offers hundreds of in person and online courses to municipal governments to help them improve their efficiency and increase the quality of life for residents.
