In preparation for the upcoming rainy season and evaluating the previous season, the Minister of Public Works and Transport in the caretaker government, Ali Hamieh, held a comprehensive meeting at the ministry with contractors responsible for cleaning and rehabilitating rainwater drainage and sewer networks. The meeting was attended by the General Director of Roads and Buildings, Tanios Boulus, and other relevant officials.
Hamieh praised the cooperation shown by the contractors during the past season, confirming that "the collaboration and integration between them and those concerned with this file reflected positively on many occasions and numerous critical points, despite the difficulties they faced amid the circumstances the country went through."
For their part, the contractors presented to Hamieh the major issue they faced regarding their financial dues from the previous year. They confirmed that, "despite completing the necessary paperwork in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, they have not received a single penny from the Ministry of Finance to date, which has led to significant losses for them, especially since they have many commitments and needs requiring funds to continue their work." They also raised concerns about the contracts they signed with the ministry for the past season and the fluctuations in the exchange rate that caused their dues to lose value.
In response, Hamieh assured that he would do everything possible to help the contractors obtain their previous dues, emphasizing that "this is their right." He pointed out that he would work to ensure that upcoming contracts to be executed with them for the next rainy season reflect fairness that aligns with the current realities and conditions in the country, all under the framework of applicable laws.
