Public Works Ministry Signs Cooperation Protocol with Engineers' Unions and Rail Authority

The Public Institution for Railways and Joint Transport entered into a cooperation protocol with the Engineers' Unions of Beirut and Tripoli during a ceremony held at the Beirut Engineers' Union headquarters. The event was sponsored and attended by Minister of Public Works and Transport Faiz Rassamni. Present were Members of Parliament Hadi Abu Hassan and Faisal Al-Sayegh, Beirut Engineers' Union President Fadi Hanna, Tripoli Engineers' Union President Shawqi Fattouf, Head of the Railways and Joint Transport Authority Ziad Shia, several general directors, members of boards of directors and public bodies, alongside members of the two unions' councils and numerous engineers and experts.

During the ceremony, the event's master of ceremonies, Engineer Rabie Asrawi, emphasized that the protocol represents a qualitative step toward employing Lebanese engineering expertise to serve sustainable transport projects. He highlighted the enhancement of cooperation between the public sector and professional bodies to meet development and infrastructure reconstruction needs.

Asrawi stated, "The protocol aims to establish an institutional framework for collaboration in preparing technical, economic, and strategic studies related to transport projects, as well as providing engineering consultations and expertise. This supports the state's plans to revive the railway network and develop joint transport according to a scientific and sustainable vision."

Head of the Railways and Joint Transport Authority, Ziad Shia, affirmed that the institution continues its work despite challenges faced over past decades. He described developing the transport sector as a national necessity imposed by economic and regional changes. Shia considered the cooperation protocol as opening a new phase of joint work to prepare reform projects that restore Lebanon’s role within the modern transport system.

He added, "We are launching a cooperation path with the Engineers' Unions to establish a partnership model that promotes transport sector development." Shia explained that this partnership seeks to initiate a cooperation framework exemplifying interaction between public institutions, administrations, and professional bodies. This enables benefiting from Lebanese expertise and competencies to provide more effective and productive solutions, based on the convergence of will, expertise, and sincere intentions.

Shia noted that the railways and joint transport sector has endured decades of marginalization, targeting, and campaigns questioning its role. He stressed that the current phase requires official institutions and professional bodies to unite in rebuilding the transport sector on scientific and sustainable foundations, serving national interest and future development needs.

Tripoli Engineers' Union President, Engineer Shawqi Fattouf, described the signing of the cooperation protocol with the Public Institution for Railways and Joint Transport as more than an administrative procedure. He said it marks a new stage in integration between state institutions and specialized professional bodies, reflecting the commitment of the Engineers' Unions to actively contribute to the national development effort.

Fattouf stated, "This protocol represents a strategic step through which the energies and scientific expertise of the Engineers' Union are dedicated to serving a sector long awaited by our cities. It constitutes the true backbone of any sustainable economic and social development."

He confirmed that the Tripoli Engineers' Union will deploy all its technical and scientific capabilities, including studies, expertise, and technical support, to serve this vital sector. This is based on the firm belief that reviving the joint transport and railway network is a fundamental gateway to enhancing development, improving urban resilience, and supporting the national economy.

Beirut Engineers' Union President Fadi Hanna also affirmed that the protocol demonstrates that no challenge is insurmountable when Lebanese hands unite and expertise combines, as Lebanese people are capable of devising solutions for all national needs without dependence on others.

Hanna pointed out that the partnership with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is founded on trust and information exchange, stemming from the belief that building Lebanon is the responsibility of its citizens and their competencies.

He revealed that ongoing cooperation with the Minister of Public Works, the Tripoli Engineers' Union President, and Civil Organization Director Engineer Ali Ramadan has resulted in drafting a new public safety decree, which the minister has referred to the State Council for approval. Additionally, work is underway with the ministry on a comprehensive project to develop the building law, recognizing Lebanon’s need for a modern and advanced law aligned with current requirements.

Hanna expressed gratitude to Minister Rassamni, Engineer Ramadan, and all union staff for their collaboration on the project to computerize servitudes, planning, and zoning maps, enabling their availability to engineers wherever they are. He emphasized that the union is working, in accordance with the law, to develop digital services and facilitate engineers' work.

He confirmed, "The Engineers' Union is ready to be a full partner with the state on various national files, based on its scientific and professional role."

Hanna noted that the Higher Education Council recently approved stricter admission criteria for engineering faculties, aligning with the Engineers' Union’s requirements and aiming to elevate the engineering degree's level. He added that the Minister of Education and Higher Education will officially announce these conditions.

He highlighted the union’s belief in partnerships with various ministries, citing collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to approve the agricultural prescription and work on its computerization within the Engineers' Union to allow modern and organized access to information and services.

Regarding the transport file, Hanna stressed that transport is not merely a means of movement but an economic artery connecting regions, achieving social justice, and representing a real investment in Lebanon's future. He stated that every minute lost by citizens in traffic congestion is a loss to the economy, individuals, and their dignity, underscoring the need for a comprehensive engineering vision for the transport sector. He assured that the Engineers' Union will support the ministry with expertise to develop accurate plans and build projects on sound scientific foundations. He also affirmed that the union’s doors remain open to all and called for immediate application of engineering specifications upon issuance and implementation of engineering decisions approved by the Council of Ministers, given their direct impact on improving project quality and protecting public safety.

Minister Faiz Rassamni confirmed that signing the cooperation protocol between the ministry, the Railways and Joint Transport Authority, and the Engineers' Unions of Beirut and Tripoli reflects a firm conviction that transport sector development cannot be the responsibility of a single entity but requires integration among public administration, professional bodies, and Lebanese scientific talents.

He explained that the ministry is moving from the idea proposal phase to preparing integrated and executable projects. He pointed out that international donor institutions and funds do not finance general titles but projects based on comprehensive engineering, financial, and economic studies. This protocol facilitates such studies for railway and joint transport projects, exchange of expertise, and qualification of engineering and technical staff, enhancing public administration efficiency and raising planning and execution standards.

Rassamni indicated that this cooperation is part of a broader reform vision to develop the Public Works and Transport sector, relying on scientific planning, digital transformation, transparency enhancement, and involving professional bodies in preparing major policies and projects.

He asserted that reviving the railways and developing joint transport will directly impact citizens' lives by reducing travel costs, connecting Lebanese regions, decreasing congestion and pollution, and stimulating economic and investment activity.

Regarding public administration status, Rassamni noted that no state can achieve required results without providing necessary human resources. He stated that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, despite its responsibilities covering roads and government buildings across Lebanon, employs only sixteen staff members. Meanwhile, the Council for Development and Reconstruction has about 160 employees, the Railways Authority has just three, and the Maritime Properties Department employs only two staff.

He mentioned the appointment of the ministry’s new general director, Brigadier General Mazen Basbous, noting that he requires only four additional employees to start his work but currently has only two. Rassamni acknowledged that the hiring freeze is understandable under current circumstances but emphasized that continuing public services requires a minimum level of human resources.

Rassamni confirmed that the upcoming phase will focus on completing computerization projects and digital transformation to reduce waste, activating public-private partnerships after developing the partnership law. He stressed that the Engineers' Union, with its expertise, competencies, and capabilities, will be a key partner in implementing national projects. He added that this protocol should mark the beginning of a practical path translating into tangible projects and achievements that restore confidence in the state’s ability to execute strategic projects in partnership with national competencies.