Asi river dam issue raised

Ministerial committee says: if no settlement reached we’ll end contract

August 12, 2011- The ministerial committee tasked with observing the implementation of the dam building at the Asi (Orontes) River will decide, next Thursday, either to end the contract or make a settlement with the contractor firm.

Deputy Prime Minister Samir Moqbel said that the committee has called on the project’s consultant and contractor and requested them to provide the required conditions within a one-week notice.

He said that the ministerial committee also requested that the Chinese company, undertaking the implementation of the project, sends a representative so as to continue deliberations.

If implemented, the Asi River dam would provide water to around 7,000 hectares of farmland. The project also includes building a plant for generating electrical power of up to eight Megawatts, as well as installing an irrigation network extending over 2500 hectares in the Hermel valley, and 3500 hectares in the Ras Baalbek and Qa’a areas.

The total funds needed for the project are estimated at $30 million.