sentences:  Beginning in 1984, a major urban development program for Ra's Lanuf was initiated by the Brega and Ra's Lanuf Higher Committee to accommodate employees of the nearby oil industries, and envisaged for 40,000 inhabitants.The general design of the town layout was to be linear, following the coast and allowing extensive views and easy physical connection with the sea from all parts of town.The town's structure was based on a functional hierarchy, containing three centers forming public zones with community facilities extending to the Mediterranean coast; these are in turn surrounded by high-rise housing blocks.