The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) has completed the formal handover procedures of a key development project in the village of Sikka and Tuwas, which included the rehabilitation of the public water reservoir and the establishment of a greenhouse for seedling production. The project was implemented by the Sikka and Tuwas Village Council under the initiative “Empowering Local Government Units through Local Economic Development Grants,” funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through APLA.

This project reflects a clear vision aimed at enabling rural communities to rely more effectively on their local resources, rather than remaining vulnerable to emergency conditions. The rehabilitation of the water reservoir provides a more stable water source for agriculture, helping to protect a primary livelihood for dozens of families. In parallel, the establishment of a greenhouse for seedling production supports small-scale agriculture by reducing production costs through local availability of inputs, instead of relying on expensive external markets. This intervention supports farmers’ ability to sustain and expand their activities, while creating accessible local employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth.

The project forms part of a broader set of interventions led by APLA to support local authorities in marginalized areas through integrated development initiatives that strengthen economic and social resilience, reinforce the role of local government in resource management, and contribute to sustainable local development.