Fattoush factory draws controversy

$120 million to fulfill
market needs

A cement factory under construction in Zahle is in contention over environmental concerns. When it is completed in late 2015, the factory will specialize in mixing and packaging cement for domestic and export markets.

The Development and Construction Company (DCC), chaired by Pierre Fattoush, has obtained a license by the Ministry of Industry to establish this facility in industrial zone G, which is classified for heavy industries.

The project has stirred controversy. Elias Skaff, former Member of Parliament, said that the factory’s location in Haouch El Oumara is only 50 meters away from residential areas. He objected to the cement oven, which causes environmental damage and diseases like cancer and lung problems.

In an exclusive interview with BusinessNews by Lebanon Opportunities, Fattoush said: “The factory will not include a cement oven, as the cement will be imported from the company’s factories in Africa and Syria and packaged locally, therefore it will not cause dangerous emissions.”

Fattoush said the factory will comply with international environmental standards and that the ministries of Industry and Environment have already environmental impact studies.
Zahle residents also complained about this project. Zahle Mayor, Joseph Maalouf, who had approved the license, later disregarded his previous approval after discovering that the factory will be near residential areas.

The $120 million facility will be built on a 20,000 square meter plot. It is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs.

Fattoush said the production capacity will be commensurate with demand.