More water
projects in Bekaa

To reduce leaks, pollution

The Bekaa Water Establishment (BWE) launched a project for water supply in northern and central Bekaa. The project is initiated in cooperation with the United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and international NGOs, Oxfam, World Vision, and GVC.

The project, valued at 21.5 million euros ($24 million), is funded by the European Union.

Nine villages, including Kob Elias, Taalbaya, Riyak, and Ablah will benefit from the installation of new main networks. BWE Chairman Maroun Msallam said: “These new networks will help reduce technical waste and pollution from eroding wastewater networks.” Water meters will also be installed to diminish power consumption of pumping stations.

Project implementation is expected next year.

Around 81,000 households are subscribed to the BWE. Collection rates reached 36 percent in 2014. “There are around 150,000 industrial, commercial, and residential units in the Bekaa, in addition to Syrian refugees,” he said. This means there are 69,000 units benefiting from the BWE and do not pay the bills. “This has caused a severe budget deficit at the establishment,” he said.