`The World Bank recently extended $43.5 million in loans to Lebanon for the development of potable water and sewage projects in the Ba'albeck region, reported Lebinvest. The loan will be channeled through the bank’s Council for Development (CDR).
The project is expected to strengthen the capacity of the Ba'albeck Hermel Water and Irrigation Authority and the Zahle and Chamsine Water Authorities. The private sector will be involved in the operation and maintenance of the new water and wastewater facilities.
Despite the availability of water resources in Lebanon, the water supply and wastewater sector does not produce satisfactory services for the majority of the population. Close half of all water produced is unaccounted for because of losses and billing inefficiencies, while overflowing wastewater collection systems cause severe sanitary conditions and taint surface and groundwater resources. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
