Originally home to around 1,000 residents, in recent years the town of Kfar Jarra in South Lebanon experienced a significant influx of around 5,000 residents and 350 refugees from Saida city; yet the municipality only receives a minimal budget to cover the needs of the original 1,000 residents. As a result, it struggles to provide essential public services, especially streetlighting. Amidst severe state electricity cuts, the municipality relies on private generators for backup power, but given the ongoing fuel crisis and price inflation, most neighborhoods are left without electricity, causing many residents to feel unsafe and has fueled growing intercommunal tensions between long-time residents and newcomers. In response, USAID’s Community Support Program (CSP) is upgrading 100 existing streetlights with solar-powered LED bulbs, while also supplying and installing 20 new solar-powered streetlights at strategic locations across the town. On February 21, CSP’s local contractor transported 20 new poles to the worksite, and started installation, which is expected to be completed within two weeks. This activity would increase the safety and security for over 6000 residents, while reducing municipal generator costs by over $20,000 each year.

 “The USAID/CSP-provided solar streetlights are lighting up areas that were previously considered dangerous and unsafe at night. Residents are already reporting their satisfaction with the placement of the newly added streetlights and poles,” stated Mr. Maroun Chalhoub, Mayor of Kfar Jarra.