Energy Minister Emphasizes State's Exclusive Role in Lebanon's Negotiations

Energy and Water Minister Joe Al-Sadi began his tour in the Jezzine district with a visit to the Boulos Arqach hydropower plant in Qatala, which is operated by the Litani River Authority.

During the visit, a technical presentation was given on the renewable energy project funded by the World Bank, detailing the importance of its components in modernizing and rehabilitating the hydropower plants managed by the authority. The presentation also covered the planned works under the project and the expected outcomes regarding increased production efficiency and improved operational reliability.

The briefing further addressed the significance of the renewal project for the Awali station’s cells, which includes increasing the number of outlets from three to six. This project is being implemented by the Electricité du Liban institution and aims to expand the use of hydropower energy and provide electricity to additional towns within the Jezzine district.

The minister also reviewed the plans set to develop the Jezzine irrigation project, emphasizing its role in enhancing water security and supporting the agricultural sector in the region.

Al-Sadi noted that the first phase of the project, financed by a World Bank loan and involving the rehabilitation of the plant, commenced with a tender to prepare the terms of reference.

He affirmed full support for President Joseph Aoun and the Prime Minister in their direct negotiations in Washington and the outcomes reached during the fifth round of the framework agreement. He stressed that the state alone negotiates on behalf of Lebanon and its people, and that anyone present on Lebanese soil is legally obliged to adhere to the state's decisions.

In remarks to those present, Dr. Sami Alawiya stated that the visit reflects official interest in the renewable energy sector and the hydropower plants affiliated with the Litani River Authority. He pointed out that this is the first visit by an energy minister to the Boulos Arqach plant since 2010.

Alawiya described the visit as a significant milestone in supporting this vital facility.

He praised the minister’s efforts to activate the implementation of the World Bank renewable energy loan, particularly in accelerating the components related to the Litani River Authority, which contributes to developing hydropower production infrastructure and enhancing renewable energy’s role within the national electricity system.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Ghada Ayoub remarked that amid the difficult circumstances Lebanon faces due to the war and its repercussions, the state's return to its developmental role gains added importance.

She welcomed the energy minister’s visit to the Jezzine area, which has suffered prolonged neglect, especially in the electricity and water sectors.

Ayoub explained that the project to expand and rehabilitate the Awali plant is not merely a technical upgrade but a genuine investment in the region’s future, as it will strengthen the electrical grid’s capacity and supply electricity to additional towns in Jezzine, directly impacting citizens’ lives and laying the groundwork for long-awaited development.

Additionally, MP Asmar expressed gratitude to Minister Al-Sadi for visiting Jezzine to listen to the concerns and needs of its residents. He added that the region serves as a model for hydropower energy, noting the minister’s commitment to clean energy despite climate change challenges. He highlighted the minister’s cooperation with the Electricité du Liban and the Litani River Authority to maximize the use and possible expansion of hydropower plants to benefit Jezzine, described as the gateway to the south, which has been devastated and saddened but is now returning under the state’s care.

Asmar remarked that the Ministry of Energy is resuming its responsibilities after a period characterized by unequal treatment, enabling people to live with dignity and secure their rights to water and electricity.

Following this, Al-Sadi and his accompanying delegation proceeded to Karkha, where they visited the Mar Yohanna Al-Maamadan Monastery. They were received by the Maronite Archbishop of Sidon and Deir El Qamar, Elie Haddad, the Mayor of Karkha Jean Nakhle, Mukhtar Anwar Nasoura, the town’s priest Walid Al-Deek, and a crowd of locals. After touring the site, the minister met with several mayors and mukhtars from neighboring villages. The visit concluded with the presentation of a commemorative gift to Al-Sadi.