On July 6, 2024, LIMS hosted its 7th “LLA101 Economic Foundations of Prosperity” workshop in Saida, bringing together 25 activists and reform-minded participants who are active at the municipal level and eager to drive change. The workshop provided a platform for addressing local economic challenges.

Key issues specific to the Saida region, such as tourism and water scarcity, were discussed alongside cross-regional concerns, including electricity shortages and waste management. By the workshop’s conclusion, participants had produced a comprehensive paper summarizing the main insights and established a committee to oversee the implementation of the proposed solutions.

To enhance Saida’s tourism sector, participants recommended infrastructure improvements, particularly in road quality and street lighting. They also gave the example of Saida during Ramadan to emphasize the importance of engaging the local community in social media marketing efforts. The discussion also highlighted the need to reduce political interference in the management of tourist sites. Addressing the issue of water scarcity, participants proposed attracting private investors to repair and manage the region’s aging water network, which is plagued by significant leakage. Expanding well operations was also suggested as a critical step towards securing a more reliable water supply.

In tackling waste management challenges, participants discussed lengthy the failures of Saida’s waste management factory. They also focused on promoting waste sorting at the source and strengthening municipal enforcement against littering. Participants also called for attracting private companies to invest in recycling initiatives. The electricity crisis was another major topic of discussion, with participants identifying potential locations for establishing solar farms and exploring the integration of these farms into existing generator micro-grids. The municipality was urged to support these renewable energy projects, ensure adequate public lighting, and collaborate with the private sector to boost energy production. Additionally, there was a strong call to address the monopolistic practices of generator owners, which are seen as significant obstacles to progress in the energy sector.

The workshop’s outcomes reflect a concerted effort to address the pressing issues facing Saida and its surrounding areas, with a clear focus on sustainable development and community involvement. The newly formed committee is now tasked with translating these recommendations into actionable plans that can drive real change on the ground.

Click here to check full album of LLA101- Saida Workshop on Facebook