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07 November 2016
SIDON, Lebanon: Sidon Mayor Mohammad Saudi Sunday announced talks had taken place with Spanish officials to find ways to improve the citys seafront in a visit to mark MedCities 25th anniversary. The Sidon mayor returned from the international conference Sunday where he met with Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau Ballano to talk about the implementation of the 2015 memorandum of collaboration signed between the two cities. The agreement between the municipalities of Sidon and Barcelona was aimed at developing the Sidon Urban Sustainability Development Strategy.
The anniversary of MedCities, a partnership network of cities around the Mediterranean, in the Spanish metropolis of Barcelona was attended by city officials including Tripoli Mayor Ahmad Qamareddine.
A series of meetings were held with experts at the Barcelona Municipality over a waterfront project and the designs for renovating the current fishermens port, Saudi said.
The network is helping Sidon with two projects. Based on the agreement signed, the municipality of Barcelona will help Sidon draw up plans to rehabilitate its shoreline.
The project to improve the coastal seafront is waiting for funding and the projects cost is estimated to be between $10 million and $12 million, he explained, adding that they are waiting for funding from the Islamic Development Bank.
The project will cover the area from the Sidon rest house south of the city to the Rafik Hariri Sports Stadium in the north. It will include establishing facilities, gardens and refurbishing the public beach.
As part of the project, breakwaters will also be placed to protect swimmers from the strong currents.
The fishermen port is expected to cost some $15 million and the funding is still needed to begin work. Saudi said that they are still in discussions with financiers to secure the money.
It was important for Sidon to participate in this occasion, because it considers itself part of the MedCities [network], Saudi noted. Our relationship with them is strong and they are helping us with preparing for studies and designs for the vital projects that the city is waiting for.
Copyright The Daily Star 2016.
