The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has handed over two newly constructed football pitches to the Municipality of Kufra, southeast of Libya, which hosts nearly 40,000 migrants and displaced Libyans.

The new sporting sites funded by the EU Africa Trust Fund and the Italian Foreign Ministry, were set up at the Attahadi Sports Club located in Tabu area and Omar Alkhttab school in Zwiya district.

The initiative comes in the framework of supporting social cohesion and providing access to public amenities in local neighborhoods, in a region that lacks the most basic infrastructure and recreational facilities, the IOM explained on Facebook.

It expressed hope that the new football pitches will enhance community engagement by offering a space to young communities to get together.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Kufra emphasized that such projects not only impact communities but also elevate the municipality as a reliable partner.

"This factor will contribute to building trust between communities and municipality." the mayor said.