The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) organized a field visit to Kafr Ni’ma Village Council to receive Wadi Hamad rehabilitation and reconstruction project, “The Land is Ours.” In the context of the Sub-grants Initiative for the so-called Area C, launched by APLA with support from the European Union, the project is part of the efforts made to promote community resilience and improve living conditions in the so-called Area C.  

The visit was tailored to achieve development goals of the project, provide needed technical support to local government units (LGUs) in targeted areas, and promote cooperation with international donors to ensure sustainable results. It included gaining first-hand insight of the progress made in the “The Land is Ours” project, which seeks to transform the Wadi Hamad area from an environmentally damaged space into an environmental park that promotes ecotourism, enhances local economy, and raises environmental awareness in society.

During the visit, APLA stressed the importance of the project in bolstering citizens’ resilience in the so-called Areas C, which faces significant challenges due to land grab risks and development restrictions. APLA asserted that similar projects were key to consolidating community resilience in this area. These projects are part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable development in marginalized villages and areas and empower LGUs to address infrastructure challenges and provide the best services to communities.

EU representatives affirmed their ongoing support and attention to developing these areas, backing LGU planning efforts, and enhancing infrastructure to promote good governance and help Palestinians establish an independent state.

Ra’fat Khalifeh, Mayor of the Kafr Ni’ma Village Council, expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to APLA and its partners for their continued support to the Wadi Hamad project. Khalifeh highlighted that the project was the fruit of efforts made by young volunteers, motivated by a community’s will to clean the Wadi Hamad site which was contaminated by accumulating waste. Thanks to this project, the village council managed to translate the ambitious vision into a tangible reality, transforming Wadi Hamad into an environmental park, providing a meeting space for families, and strengthening the spirit of belonging to land.