Mrs. Hinnan al-Sid: Launching the Pilot Phase of the Cash Rent Subsidy for Affected Families

Minister of Social Affairs Hinnan al-Sid, as part of monitoring the implementation of the National Framework for Early Return and Recovery and preparation for the first phase of reconstruction, visited the South Suburbs Municipalities Union, where she announced the launch of the pilot phase of the cash rent subsidy program for war-affected families in various Lebanese regions—a step aimed at assisting families still unable to return to their homes.

She was welcomed by Muhammad Dargham, President of the South Suburbs Municipalities Union, alongside Members of Parliament: Ali Ammar, Amin Shri, Ali al-Maqdad, and Fadi Alama, along with mayors of Ghobeiri Ahmad al-Khansa, Harat el-Harik Ziyad Wakid, and Bcharre Mustafa Harb, as well as Dr. Qasim Rahal, head of the engineering team responsible for preparing studies on damaged buildings.

During the meeting, al-Sid reviewed a detailed presentation on the extent of damage in the South Suburbs, the union’s methodology for surveying damaged buildings, compiling technical files, structural reinforcement works, and efforts to accelerate residents’ return and restore normal life.

She emphasized that "the Lebanese government is operating under an integrated vision linking return, social protection, early recovery, restoration of essential services, and reconstruction," stressing that "success in this phase requires close collaboration between the state, municipalities and their unions, and leveraging local expertise to set priorities and implement projects."

Parliamentarians present also underscored the "national importance of the 'Aman' program as one of Lebanon's most significant social protection initiatives," calling for "including the file on the program’s continuity and funding on the agenda of the next session of the Parliament to ensure uninterrupted assistance to the most vulnerable Lebanese families and sustain the social safety net."

Subsequently, the minister toured several damaged buildings, where she inspected structural reinforcement work firsthand and listened to explanations about technical challenges and current needs to expedite residents’ return.

Her visit concluded at the Shaheen Development Services Center, attended by MP Fadi Alama, where she met center staff, reviewed the social services provided to citizens—particularly beneficiaries of the 'Aman' program and other ministry initiatives—and heard about community needs and challenges the center faces amid current conditions.

Al-Sid reaffirmed that "this visit is part of a series of field tours conducted by the ministry across affected areas to keep pace with citizens’ on-the-ground needs, strengthen state presence, and ensure that recovery and reconstruction processes begin with people’s priorities, fully coordinated with municipalities, local authorities, and relevant partners."