1500 families return to war-torn Syrian city

More than 1,500 families out of those forced to leave their homes due to the violence in war-torn Syria have returned to the city of al-Zabadani after the security forces restored peace in the region.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Damascus Countryside Governor Alaa Ibrahim on Saturday announced that the people have returned as the efforts were taken by the governorate and the city council to rebuild streets, power grid, the telephone network, and sewer system.

While touring the city, the governor stressed that the contracts assigned to clear of rubble and the wreckage from the city.

Ibrahim also inspected the services provided by the government and heard the grievances, suggestions, and problems of the citizens. He has assigned the town council to follow up and resolve them.

Several new projects will begin to rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure in some areas of Daraya city this year, which contributes to the return of 100,000 people, he added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Damascus Countryside Chamber of Commerce Osama Mustafa said that 90 percent of hotel and restaurant owners in Bloudan have resumed their work and have assured that by summer all tourist facilities in the city will be operational.

Syria has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011. Protesters have been long demanding the resignation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over his autocratic rule.