New public park in Hallusiyat will foster community spirit

Lt.Col Zunaidi Hassan, the deputy commander of the Malaysian Battalion, presents a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Taan Harb, the mayor of Hallusiyat.

Lt.Col Zunaidi Hassan, the deputy commander of the Malaysian Battalion, and Mr. Taan Harb, the mayor of Hallusiyat, stand in respect for the Lebanese and UN anthems.

Lt.Col Zunaidi Hassan, the deputy commander of the Malaysian Battalion, addresses the audience at the inauguration of the public garden in Hallusiyat.

Lt.Col Zunaidi Hassan, the deputy commander of the Malaysian Battalion, and Mr. Taan Harb, the mayor of Hallusiyat, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the public garden in Hallusiyat.

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6 Nov 2015

New public park in Hallusiyat will foster community spirit

Municipal authorities and officials from UNIFIL inaugurated a public park in Hallusiyat that was built to give residents a place to meet, celebrate and enjoy community life.

Hallusiyat, a charming village in south Lebanon with a population of 2500, was greatly in need of a common space for holding public events, weddings and to offer children a safe and family-friendly area to play. The new park features outdoor seating, playground, water fountains, barbecue stations and a hall for indoor events.

The project was initiated and funded by Hallusiyat municipality in May 2015. UNIFIL officials stepped in to help through funds from QIP (quick-impact projects) – an initiative that gives support to select, small-scale projects that are community-driven. The ownership and commitment by Hallusiyat municipality encouraged UNIFIL to participate as it ensured sustainability for the project.

UNIFIL's Malaysian contingent (MalBatt) provided support by setting down infrastructure for lighting and water in the park, as well as laying of grass. Lt. Col Ahmed Zunaidi Hassan of the Malaysian contingent stated that the project gave his team a chance to get familiar with the community's leaders and better understand their concerns.

The park gives the entire community a public space for social and recreational events.

Hallusiyat municipality has also welcomed UNIFIL to use the newly-built facilities to carry out cultural and social activities as a way to strengthen bonds with the community and improve perceptions of UNIFIL's work in the region.

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Article: Greta Isac
Video Editor: Suzane Badereddine
Video Camera: Mohamad Hamze
Photo: Ghifar Charafeddine
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