National strategy for wastewater announced

Annual tariff to be imposed starting 2013

The Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) announced the new National Strategy for the Wastewater Sector on December 13. The strategy involves extending wastewater treatment networks to connect 95 percent of the population. Some $3.1 billion in investments will need to be raised by 2020.

New tariffs will also be imposed as of the beginning of 2013. Citizens not currently connected to wastewater plants and networks will be charged 5,000 L.L ($3.3) on an annual basis. Citizens already connected to the system will pay 20,000 L.L ($13.3) yearly.

Minister of Energy and Water Gebran Bassil said that 60 percent of the population is currently connected to collection networks, but not linked with any treatment facilities, and only eight percent of the generated wastewater is treated.

The strategy involves five initiatives to achieve a fully covered wastewater treatment system. It includes an investment program, as well as regulatory, institutional, and financial measures to optimize the private sector’s participation in the system.

Randa Nemer, MoEW advisor, said: “The objectives of the strategy are the collection and treatment of wastewater, its reuse for agriculture, industry, and households, and finally the recovery of costs.”

Lebanon has already invested more than $1 billion on wastewater facilities but only a few are operational. Along the coast, 12 treatment plants are planned to service more than half of the population. Seven of those are completed, another one is under construction, three more are in the preparation phase, and an additional one requires funding. There are currently only two operational plants in Ghadir and Sidon.

Inland, there are 42 collection and treatment schemes planned, of which 23 have secured funding. Only two are operational, in Baalbek and Yammouneh.