Lebanon Minister Visits Shheim, Promises Government Complex Work to Start Soon

Construction on the government building complex in the town of Shheim is expected to begin in the near future, Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar announced during a visit to the site on Tuesday. The minister toured the project accompanied by Shheim municipality head engineer Tarek Shaaban to review ongoing work and progress on completing the facility.

Following the site visit, al-Hajjar moved to the Shheim municipal building where he toured the premises with the mayor and municipal council members. He then held a meeting with the council attended by former MP Mohammad al-Hajjar and government commissioner at Electricité du Liban Mohammad Amin. Discussions covered a wide range of town affairs, with particular focus on security challenges, demands related to the government complex, road paving, infrastructure improvements, and the electricity and water situations. A broad discussion also addressed the displacement file and its repercussions on host communities.

Al-Hajjar later moved to another hall in the municipality to meet with Shheim's mukhtars, party and association officials, and directors of public and private schools, secondary schools, and vocational institutes in the town.

Municipal Praise and Project Updates

Municipality head Tarek Shaaban welcomed attendees at the gathering, noting that the interior minister has never fallen short in his service to Lebanon or the town. Shaaban expressed pride in al-Hajjar's character and efforts supporting the Shheim municipal council and other municipalities, while also praising the role of mukhtars, school directors, and the crisis cell in following up on the displacement file and addressing the needs of displaced persons.

Former MP Mohammad al-Hajjar commended Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar's efforts at the national level, noting they receive appreciation from all sides. He thanked the minister for his dedication to serving the region and for his visit to Shheim, the municipality, and the government complex. The former MP pointed out that a large number of government departments have been established in the complex to serve the entire region, not just Shheim, and urged the minister to follow up on issuing the necessary decrees for these administrations. He also asked al-Hajjar to pursue the completion of the Shheim-Majaz road link connecting to the government complex with Public Works Minister Fayez Rasamny.

Minister's Commitments

Al-Hajjar stated that everyone is aware of the country's difficult circumstances, but Shheim has never been far from his mind. He said he remains in constant contact with MP Bilal Abdullah, Dr. Mohammad al-Hajjar, and the Shheim municipality to work together on providing what is possible for the people. "There are projects we are working on, like the government buildings project, which will see the light soon. It is a massive project," he said. "I contacted the head of the Council for Development and Reconstruction, Dr. Mohammad Qabbani, who informed me that work will begin in the near future. This project will give a significant boost to the entire region."

The minister added that work is also underway to drill a well to pump water to Shheim's reservoir to compensate for water shortages, along with other projects. "We are present to help despite the difficult conditions the country is going through, whether economic, war, or the pressures of displacement," he continued. "Shheim and the Iqlim al-Kharroub region have proven to be areas with the highest level of patriotism, humanity, and high morals. All of Lebanon testifies that it hosted displaced families away from political differences and everything that happened in the past."

Al-Hajjar concluded by expressing pride in being a son of Shheim and the Iqlim al-Kharroub region, noting that the area has always carried successes and produced numerous figures in various positions inside and outside Lebanon. He stressed that mayors and mukhtars bear great responsibilities and play a fundamental role, stating that their only concern must be serving the country.

Following the minister's remarks, several mukhtars, directors, and association representatives made interventions centered on the reality of displacement, the situation of students in schools, the condition of school buildings, issues related to the mukhtar's work and administrative duties, and efforts to return the civil registry center to the region.