Litani River Crisis: Official Warns of Environmental “Bomb” Amid Unchecked Industrial Investment

Sami Allouieh, director general of the National Litani River Authority, stated that the state authorized industrial investment adjacent to the Litani River without assessing environmental impact, redirected wastewater into the river, and permitted a group of corrupt and powerful individuals to encroach upon river property.

Speaking on MFM, Allouieh warned that delays in implementing wastewater treatment plants or constructing sewer networks along the Litani River’s course constitute an environmental “bomb.” He added that funds were spent on projects lacking serious commitment to implementation or operation.

Call for Decentralized Water Governance

Allouieh called for adopting decentralization in the water sector and for involving civil society, municipalities, and the private sector. He urged convening a national conference to establish a sectoral vision that institutionalizes governance, partnership, decentralization, accountability, and oversight.