The historic town of Rachaya El Wadi in Lebanon’s western Bekaa region has inaugurated its newly rehabilitated pedestrian network, marking a major milestone in preserving its cultural heritage and fostering inclusive development. The event was attended by representatives from Germany, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Mayor of Rachaya, and members of the municipal council.
The rehabilitation was carried out under the Employment-Intensive Infrastructure Programme (EIIP), implemented by the ILO and funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, in coordination with the Municipality of Rachaya El Wadi. The project revitalized the town’s inner alleys and historic pedestrian routes connecting to the old market street and enhanced public spaces with new seating areas, flower beds, potable water taps, and public restrooms. A total of 339 workers were employed—30 percent of whom were women and 3 percent persons with disabilities—while 85 received professional training in construction, electrical work, steel bending, stone masonry, and paving.
German Development Cooperation Head Uta Simon highlighted that the initiative not only preserves Lebanon’s heritage but also provides vital income and skills development opportunities for local people. ILO’s EIIP Chief Technical Advisor Richard Lorenz emphasized that the project demonstrates how heritage preservation can align with economic and social progress, creating hundreds of jobs, restoring livelihoods, and strengthening community resilience.
Mayor Rashrash Naji praised the project’s transformative impact, noting that it reinforced Rachaya’s heritage identity and created employment for local youth using traditional Rashani stone. He expressed deep gratitude to the German government and the ILO for their support in realizing a project that celebrates history while building a sustainable future for the town.
