The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched rehabilitation works at the Az-Zabdani bakery in Rural Damascus, Syria. This initiative is part of the US$5 million Joint Implementation Programme for Rehabilitation of Damaged Bakeries in Syria, funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief. It underscores both organizations’ commitment to sustainable recovery and reconstruction efforts in the country. The program is expected to directly benefit around 1.4 million people across eight of Syria’s fourteen governorates, focusing particularly on areas hosting internally displaced persons, returnees, and other vulnerable populations.
Engineer Ahmed Saleh Al-Amro, Director of the Rehabilitation Department at KSrelief, emphasized that supporting bakery rehabilitation and food infrastructure is an investment in Syria’s future. By rehabilitating 33 bakeries, the project will increase bread production capacity from 265 tons to 473 tons per day, ensuring an adequate supply for local communities. The introduction of two mobile bakeries and 13 modern production lines will enhance bread quality, improving consistency, hygiene, and nutritional value.
Prior to sustaining damage, the Az-Zabdani bakery produced up to eight tons of bread daily, serving more than 24,000 people across five surrounding villages. Upon completion of the rehabilitation works on the basement and ground floor, the bakery’s production will expand to 12 tons per day, with modern equipment guaranteeing better quality.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Dr. Rawhi Afaghani highlighted the significance of the partnership with KSrelief, noting that restoring the bakery secures a vital food commodity—bread—while creating employment opportunities in communities most affected by the crisis.
The rehabilitation works, expected to take 14 months, will enable 350 bakers to operate and maintain the upgraded facilities, supporting long-term functionality. Beyond boosting livelihoods, the initiative represents a crucial step toward strengthening food security and advancing recovery efforts across Syria.
