Minister Jou Sadie Reviews Water Sector Organizational Reforms

Jou Sadie, the Minister of Energy and Water, convened the semiannual meeting with international donor representatives as part of the ongoing strategic dialogue on the water sector. The meeting included the presence of Cyril Dewaleyne, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Mission in Lebanon; Ivenka Todorova, Water and Sanitation Program Manager at the EU Mission; Jean Bertrand Mauth from the French Development Agency (AFD) in Lebanon accompanied by engineer Rami Saliba and advisor Miray Rizk; Sally Zgheib, Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist at the World Bank; Ota Simon, Head of Development at the German Embassy; Nadim Melhem, Water Project Manager at GIZ Germany; Paul Saqim, representative of the German Development Bank KFW; Sarah Ennas, Project Manager at BGR; Dominique Porto, Head of Water and Environmental Sanitation at UNICEF; Joanna Saadeh, Specialist in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Programs; Lux Reiger, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy, accompanied by Michelle Al-Jalakh, responsible for the National Water Program and Pollution Treatment.

The discussion focused on the progress of reforms in the water sector, particularly the update of the organizational structure of the Ministry of Energy and Water and water institutions, along with their functional roles.

Minister Sadie presented the steps taken in this regard, announcing the completion of appointing new boards of directors for the water institutions in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, Bekaa, North, and South regions. He also opened the application process for the board of directors of the National Litani River Authority.

The current status of the sanitation sector and the progress made were also examined, especially following Minister Sadie's agreement with the World Bank to develop a plan ensuring the financial sustainability of the sanitation sector.

Additionally, Minister Sadie addressed developmental matters related to the sectors under the ministry’s responsibility during a delegation visit that included mayors: George Abi Rashid of Lower Shahrour Valley, Hanna Abu Murad of Upper Shahrour Valley, Shadi Al-Ghawi of Harat Al-Sitt, Charbel Abi Anton of Basaba, and Wissam Al-Raji and Deputy Mayor Andre Al-Murr of Kfarchima, accompanied by George Mazhar, Baabda area coordinator for the Lebanese Forces.