The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) organized its second conference on the response to water needs in Baalbeck-Hermel in Tamouz Hall in Baalbeck. This conference was held in presence of the governor of Baalbeck-Hermel, Mr. Bachir Khodr, official government authorities, NGO representatives, municipal members, and social figures.
Dr. Ramy Lakkis initiated the conference by stating, “the water crisis has become a reality and is related to several reasons, including: shortage of rainfall, increase in population due to the displacement of Syrians, lack of community attention to water conservation, and poor coordination among stakeholders in delivering water service to citizens”. There is a lack of trust in the system, but at the same time there is a reason for people who demand water and this is their right, but they do not do their duty to pay their contributions to the water establishment, because not paying the cost of service makes it difficult to secure it.
Moreover, Mr. Bachir Khodr, governor of Baalbeck-Hermel, emphasized that he does not have power over the water institutions, because they are independent institutions. He also stated that “the problems are many in Baalbeck-Hermel in the water sector. From Baalbeck, the Litani River is the longest river in Lebanon, and has become the main cause of cancer in many towns due to its pollution”. Mr. Khodr pointed out that, “work is being done today at the state level on the issue of the Litani river, and warnings were issued to factories who dispose of waste towards the river. Those who do not comply will be held responsible, and their factories will be closed”. Mr. Khodr stressed that, “eliminating the problem of pollution of the Assi and Litani rivers will solve most of the water problems, and will allow citizens and farmers to take advantage of large quantities of water that we desperately need”. Finally, Mr. Khodr explained that a coordination department has been established between international donors, municipalities, and ministries, for projects implemented in Baalbeck-Hermel.
In turn, Mrs. Randa Al Nemr, advisor to the Minister of Energy and Water pointed out that, “the government began from 2011 to 2012 to implement the ten-year plan for the water sector, especially for the construction of dams to bridge the existing deficit and rehabilitate the networks to reduce waste, and from 2012 to today, Lebanon has entered more than 1.5 million displaced Syrians, which led to an increase in the demand for water”. Mrs. Nemr called on municipalities to “coordinate with the Ministry before allowing any organization or entity to implement infrastructure projects within the municipal area”.
Mr. Rizk Rizk, the director of Beqaa Water Establishment (BWE) pointed out that the BWE is working in accordance with its own regulations and is under the authority of the Ministry of Energy and Water, and is integrated with the Council for Development and Reconstruction. Mr. Rizk pointed out the challenges and problems, and
Additionally, Mrs. Tanya Chapuisat, UNICEF Lebanon’s representative stated, “access to clean water is necessary and must be public. We provided water assistance to about 158,000 displaced Syrians over the past five years, by rehabilitating water networks, rehabilitating wells, building water reservoirs, and rehabilitating sewage networks, which we have achieved through partnership with the Ministry of Energy”.
UNDP Country Director, Mrs. Celine Moyroud, added, “we are working in this region and in other parts of Lebanon on the water sector to support the local community”. Mrs. Moyroud also indicated, “the cooperation between UNDP and the Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) dates back to before the Syrian crisis with the municipalities to identify the long-term needs, to help find solutions, and to address the problems we face within the long-term plan”.
Furthermore, Dr. Julia Frank,
The conference concluded with a discussion and dialogue among participants to present needs, and develop solutions.
