Quick Facts:

Grantee: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Program Duration: October 2016–September 2017

Total Donor Funding Pledged: $34 million

USAID Contribution: $2 million

Description: 

Stabilization Facility for Libya (SFL) supports the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) by providing tangible ‘quick-wins’ at the local level in the East, South and West of Libya. SFL implements improvements, such as rehabilitating critical infrastructure and restoring basic public services, in close collaboration with local governing institutions.

SFL is funded by 12 international donors with decisions made by a Governing Board jointly chaired by the Libyan Prime Minister’s representative and the United Nations’ Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General. The US Government is represented on the Board by the US Ambassador to Libya as well as the USAID/Libya Senior Development Advisor.

Program Activities and Objectives:

1. Rehabilitate light infrastructure and support recovery of critical businesses in communities damaged by conflict;

2. Immediately boost municipal capacity to take leadership in local stabilization efforts;

3. Strengthen local capacity in conflict analysis, facilitation, and mediation.

Program Status/Achievements:

SFL supports return to normal conditions and peace-building programming in five Libyan communities affected by conflict.

SFL has completed assessments in five communities -- Benghazi, Kikla, Obari, Sirte and Sebha. After field-based assessments were completed, community consultations were organized with municipal authorities, local leaders and civil society representatives to prioritize social infrastructure rehabilitation (e.g., health, water, sanitation, education). The priorities were presented to the SFL Governing Board for approval, after which SFL mobilized expert teams in each location to deliver equipment and infrastructure improvements.

In early 2017, SFL began refurbishment of public buildings and procurement of equipment to restore essential public services for the first three communities, including:  medical equipment and ambulances for hospitals, garbage trucks, generators, solar panels, water and sewage pumps, and prefabricated classrooms for schools. Equipment installation proceeded apace throughout 2017, and solar panels installed on hospitals like those in Benghazi contributed to preserving the cold chain for immunizations and other medications, despite frequent power outages. By April 2017, as Sirte’s security improved and unexploded ordnance were cleared, engineering assessments proceeded for infrastructure repair and the city received its first delivery of intensive care unit-equipped ambulances.

The SFL Project Board is currently considering assistance to additional communities and is working towards meeting its $40 million project contribution goal.