afrinpost-Exclusive
The process of building settlements continues in the occupied Kurdish region of Afrin, under the pretext of providing permanent housing for internally displaced individuals. The construction landscape witnesses the presence of numerous construction entities, funded by associations from various countries in the region. Among the active organizations in Afrin, the International Social Development Foundation and Swasia Charity Foundation stand out.
Reports circulating on social media suggest that construction activities are ongoing in a newly established settlement named “Qariyat al-Khair\ Village of Goodness.” The construction is carried out in collaboration between the International Social Development Foundation and Swasia Charity Foundation. The current phase involves preparing concrete molds (formwork) and casting the ceilings of the first floor. The new settlement comprises 84 residential apartments, distributed across seven building blocks, with each block containing 12 apartments.
Under the banner “Home in Place of a Tent” in northern Syria, the International Foundation published on its website on August 24, 2023, that it is currently constructing houses with areas of 40 and 50 square meters, featuring interior designs tailored to the needs of displaced families. The houses are equipped with the essentials for dignified living, proper ventilation, and sunlight exposure. The Village of Goodness is situated atop “Lelun Mount\ Jabal al-Ahlam” in Afrin, urging donations for the project. The organization has secured $100, and the remaining amount needed is $66,795.78.
On February 22, 2023, the International Social Development Foundation announced on its Facebook page its intention to build a residential city. The first phase encompasses 152 residential apartments, complemented by a school, a medical clinic, paved streets, a lighthouse, a mosque, commercial shops, and a children’s playground. Each apartment’s cost is $3,550.
According to local sources cited by North Press Agency, the Swasia and International Social Development organizations coordinate with the global relief and development organization HHRD in the construction efforts of the “Qariyat al-Khair” settlement. The settlement consists of 18 housing units, each containing 12 two-story apartments. Located 1 km east of the village of Kafr Rum in the Sharan sub-district, the settlement was established on the land of the former Kafr Rum forest, which was cleared of all trees over the past years by the pro-Turkey militia “Sultan Murad” under the supervision of the leader “Araba Idris.”
The local council of the Sharan sub-district, recorded the names of families slated to inhabit the settlement. A substantial number of apartments have been allocated to the families of the “Sultan Murad” militia members.
The International Social Development Foundation is active in various fields in the occupied Afrin, providing services such as prosthetics installation – the only facility of its kind in Turkish-controlled areas – along with a physical therapy section. The foundation also operates the Hakim Primary Healthcare Center in Afrin city, equipped with a central pharmacy. Additionally, the foundation engages in other health-related activities and distributes sacrificial meat during festive occasions.
