The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland today has committed an additional financial contribution to the Stabilization Facility for Libya (SFL) which will fund urgent and vital projects to support the people of Sirte.

SFL, which is an initiative of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) delivered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the International Community, aims to strengthen several key sectors, support schools & hospitals and deliver essential services covering the most urgent needs for the citizens.

“With the liberation of Sirte imminent, the UK has committed additional funds to help rebuild Sirte and provide vital services to its people. These funds are a just small part of the UK’s contribution to supporting Sirte,” said Ambassador Peter Millett at the signing ceremony.

“The people of Sirte withstood the horrors of Daesh and we will stand with them as they rebuild their lives,” Millett added.
Sirte will join the cities of Benghazi, Obari and Kikla in benefitting from the SFL assistance package worth $US 32 million dollars which focuses on rebuilding schools, water and electricity works, hospitals, municipalities, community centres. Fire engines, garbage trucks, ambulances and solar panels have already been delivered to Kikla and Benghazi. About a million Libyans are expected to directly benefit from this support.

“Sirte has always been central and strategic in many way,” Director of Technical Cooperation of the Ministry of Planning, Essam Garbaa, said. “We have big hopes for Sirte and we welcome the additional funding for improvements so the city can attract its residents again,” he added.

“For a project like SFL, where the international community pitches in for assistance, it is equally important to get the funding as well as spend it for the good of the people,” said UNDP Libya Country Director Noura Hamladji.