Cabinet approves new projects for Tripoli

Plan to expand the port’s free-zone

Tripoli will see the implementation of a broad development plan in the coming year. Several development projects in the fields of infrastructure, social development, public health, education, and civil development, were approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday (October 3).
The Cabinet had allocated $100 million to fund these projects.

Nader Ghazal, president of Tripoli Municipality, said: “Works will focus mainly on the treatment of solid waste at the existing landfill and on finding a new temporary landfill.” Environmental experts had warned that the city’s trash mountain poses major health risks.

Ghazal said the projects planned for the city also include expanding the economic free zone at Tripoli’s port, establishing a technology hub near the international exhibition center, and reopening Kleiat airport to civil and commercial air traffic. He said the projects also include the establishment of a public transportation network between Tripoli, Mina, and Beddawi.

The Council for Development and Reconstruction is currently working to finalize the construction of Tripoli’s main highway, which links vital areas within the city. The Cabinet had separately allocated funds for completing the construction of the west ring road, which is set to be finished by 2014.

According to Ghazal, the proposed projects include the rehabilitation of Tripoli’s most impoverished neighborhoods, and building a new abattoir for the city.

Omar Hallab, member of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Tripoli and the North, said the allocation is too small to have a major impact on economic sectors. But he said business owners hope the money would be used for vital infrastructure projects, mainly improving the condition of roads, and the electrical power supply.

“These development plans are part of Tripoli’s 2020 vision which includes 24 projects to enhance economic growth and sustainable development, creating thousands of jobs,” said Ghazal.