The Public Works, Transport, Energy, and Water Committee held a session today, Thursday, chaired by MP Saji J. Atiyeh, with the presence of member MPs and representatives from relevant administrations. After the session, the committee issued a statement indicating that "it dedicated its session to review the reality of public water institutions and listened to the general directors of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Authority and the Bekaa Water Authority, as well as the Director General of the National Authority for the Litani River, about the state of water institutions, the obstacles they face, and how to enhance their performance.
It became clear that increasing the water subscription fees would cover the costs for electricity and diesel required to operate the pumping stations and would also cover wages. It was also noted that the organizations and donor agencies that had been assisting with repairs ceased their support three months ago, which adds extra burdens on the institutions and delays repair work. Furthermore, water institutions expressed difficulty in applying the public procurement law, especially given the lack of progress from contractors to participate in tenders.
Following the discussion, the committee requested the directors of the institutions to submit a report detailing the institution's status, the number of employees, the number of subscribers, and the revenue collected in the areas served by each institution, in addition to an interim emergency plan for the upcoming months. They also requested the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Authority to provide a copy of the study related to the replacement and maintenance of the dilapidated water pipeline network in Beirut."
