Sanaa: Al-Mahweet governor Hanin Qatina and Chairman of the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities Abdulwahab Al-Mahdi inspected progress on the first phase of the restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Kokaban Citadel in Shibam Kawkaban District. The restoration project is being implemented by AKAF Development Organization under the supervision of the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities at an estimated cost of $299,000.
According to Yemen News Agency, accompanied by Shibam Kawkaban District Director Nasher Maqbool and Public Mobilization Official Ismail Sharaf Al-Din, the officials reviewed restoration work at the historic fortress, one of Al-Mahweet's most prominent archaeological landmarks. The director of the governorate branch of the General Authority, engineer Hossam Ibrahim, stated that the first phase of the project had reached 100 percent completion, focusing on stabilizing and securing damaged sections of the fortress in line with internationally recognized standards for conserving historic buildings.
The project aims to preserve the Kokaban Citadel from deterioration and decay, rehabilitate it, and promote its future use as a sustainable cultural and tourism landmark. Governor Qatina commended the efforts of the Authority and the implementing organization in preserving the governorate's historical and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of completing the second phase to safeguard the landmark and highlight its historical significance. He affirmed the local authority's readiness to support restoration and maintenance projects at historical sites across the governorate.
Authority Chairman Abdulwahab Al-Mahdi noted that the first phase included specialized engineering and technical efforts to protect the fortress from further deterioration while preserving its historical and architectural value. He mentioned that the project also involved urgent emergency interventions to address existing damage, create temporary employment for locals, and involve them in restoration work to strengthen community participation in protecting cultural heritage.
Public Mobilization Official Ismail Sharaf Al-Din described the project as a significant step toward preserving the governorate's historical and cultural identity, highlighting the priority placed on protecting archaeological landmarks. AKAF Development Organization Chairman Ibrahim Fayea reviewed the project's implementation phases and future plans, affirming the organization's commitment to completing the restoration according to the approved timetable and technical specifications while preserving the fortress's original architectural character.
He added that the project is part of broader efforts to protect historical landmarks and ensure their long-term sustainability, integral to the cultural and civilizational heritage of Al-Mahweet Governorate, particularly Shibam Kawkaban District.