Lebanon’s road network has suffered years of deterioration due to prolonged neglect, limited public investment, and the added strain of hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees. Nearly one-third of the country’s 6,500-kilometer main road network is in moderate to poor condition, contributing to safety risks and long travel times. Against this backdrop, the Roads and Employment Project was launched to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure while creating much-needed short-term jobs for Lebanese and Syrian workers.
The project began in 2017 with US$200 million in financing from the World Bank and the Global Concessional Financing Facility. It set out to restore critical paved roads and link infrastructure improvements to employment generation. Work was carried out across 25 districts, covering both road rehabilitation and routine maintenance. These efforts included upgrades such as improved drainage and slope stabilization to reduce the risks of floods and landslides during severe winter weather.
Recognizing Lebanon’s vulnerability to climate change and harsh winters, the project also equipped regional offices of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport with essential emergency response machinery. Snow blowers, wheel loaders, and salt spreaders were provided to help authorities respond more quickly and effectively to heavy snowfall and other road emergencies.
By mid-2025, the project’s impact was clear. More than 530 kilometers of roads had been rehabilitated—surpassing the original target—and around 1,000 kilometers had received maintenance. These improvements significantly reduced travel times, strengthened connectivity, and improved safety. Several upgraded routes recorded a decline of more than 20 percent in crash fatalities, demonstrating the effectiveness of better road design and signage.
The benefits extended well beyond transportation. About 1.4 million people gained easier access to schools, hospitals, markets, and job opportunities. The project generated approximately 1.3 million labor-days of employment for Lebanese and Syrian workers, providing income and stability to households struggling with the country’s prolonged economic crisis. These jobs reached a wide range of communities and included opportunities for older workers who often face barriers to employment.
A key innovation of the project was the introduction of an online feedback platform developed by IMPACT Lebanon. Accessible through QR codes displayed at worksites and municipal locations, the platform allowed citizens and workers to report concerns and share feedback. This strengthened transparency, ensured accountability, and improved coordination between contractors, consultants, and municipal authorities.
The project also supported broader developmental goals, including technical assistance for a national road safety program. Beyond road rehabilitation, it helped sustain agriculture during COVID-19 disruptions by providing cash assistance to more than 26,000 small farmers and delivering 1.5 million animal vaccine doses to support livestock health. These measures helped safeguard food security and rural livelihoods during a period of uncertainty.
Overall, the Roads and Employment Project has restored critical road corridors, strengthened community connections, and provided economic opportunities at a time of national hardship. By combining infrastructure rehabilitation with job creation and resilience measures, the project has offered Lebanon a pathway toward recovery and long-term stability.
