The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) carried out site tours to follow up on the implementation of projects in the villages of Ad-Dab’a (Qalqiliya) and Anza (Jenin). With a view to ensuring maximum use of available resources and achieving desired goals, field visits are part of APLA’s oversight and monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparent and accountable project implementation.

The tours involved a visit to the construction site of a children's park in the Ad-Dab’a village. The project aims to offer a comprehensive recreation area that serves the local community from across the spectrum, paying particular attention to women, children, and persons with disabilities. The project follow on ongoing efforts to strengthen citizens’ resilience by providing additional services, creating an engaging environment that stimulates community interaction and recreational activities, and enhancing the visibility and role of the Ad-Dab’a Village Council in taking local and community development forward.

APLA also visited the development site of a public park at the entrance to the Anza village. With the aim of reviving local heritage, the project will restore the old water spring and create a recreational space for the village residents. It seeks to transform the entrance to the village, which is located in the so-called Area C, into a beautiful destination that has a positive impact on visitors, create a green recreational space that contributes to improving the overall environment, and offer a social space for the local community. The project also promotes awareness of cultural heritage and supports the local economy.

These visits are part of inspection and supervision tours to follow up on the progress of projects under the Sub-grants Initiative to implement development projects in the so-called Area C. Implemented by APLA, the initiative is co-funded by the European Union and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).