SCADA System Launched for South Lebanon Water with Energy Minister's Patronage

The "South Lebanon Water Establishment" today launched the "Central Control and Management System – SCADA" project, under the patronage and presence of Minister of Energy and Water Joe Sadi. The project included development and rehabilitation works for the central control and management center, administrative offices, energy facilities, servers, and associated operational equipment.

Attending the ceremony were Agnès Dor, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation in Lebanon; Youssef Karam, Vice President of the Council for Development and Reconstruction; members of the board of directors of the "South Lebanon Water Establishment"; and representatives from partner international and local organizations.

The opening began with a welcome speech by the South Lebanon Water Establishment, followed by a special video presentation on the stages of developing and implementing the rehabilitation and upgrade project of the "Central Control and Management Center" and its importance.

Minister Sadi then delivered a speech congratulating the establishment and the ICRC on the success of this vital project, stating: "Today's inauguration of the Central Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system at the South Lebanon Water Establishment marks an important step towards modernizing water services and enhancing the institution's ability to manage its facilities efficiently. We thank the International Committee of the Red Cross for their contribution through this grant, and for their continuous support to ensure the sustainability of essential water services in Lebanon."

He added: "This system allows for direct monitoring of water production and the operation of related facilities, helping teams quickly detect faults, intervene to resolve them, and reduce service downtime. It also aids in improving energy consumption through continuous monitoring, detecting any abnormal changes in water flow that may indicate leaks or malfunctions, protecting equipment, and reducing operating costs, thereby strengthening the financial sustainability of the institution. The primary goal of this investment is to provide better service to citizens. To achieve this, it is essential to continue training staff, maintaining the system, and utilizing the information it provides in daily management to ensure more regular and reliable water supplies."

Agnès Dor gave a speech saying: "The partnership between the International Committee of the Red Cross and the South Lebanon Water Establishment has proven its immense importance, especially during the recent conflict. It enabled a rapid and effective response to the urgent needs of displaced communities and those most vulnerable to risks in conflict-affected areas that are difficult to access. Today, the opening of the new control center with the SCADA system reflects the ICRC's commitment to addressing basic needs at the infrastructure level and improving the quality of life for people in southern Lebanon."

The Director General of the South Lebanon Water Establishment, Dr. Wassim Daher, affirmed in his speech that "the SCADA project lies at the heart of the institution's strategy to ensure continuity of drinking water supply, maintain its quality, reduce production and distribution costs, and improve services provided to subscribers. It complements projects for developing sources, stations, networks, reservoirs, and solar energy, by enhancing our ability to monitor operations, detect problems early, and direct maintenance and intervention work based on accurate data, resulting in more regular service and faster response to the needs of our people."

Daher recalled the sacrifices of the institution's workers, saying: "We remember with loyalty and reverence the nineteen martyrs of the institution who fell while performing their duties in recent years. Loyalty to them is a responsibility we carry on by continuing the work and making the safety and protection of workers a priority inherent in every operational and developmental decision." He emphasized that "the attacks targeting the institution's facilities and employees, along with accumulated financial and operational crises," necessitate such measures.

The launch of the SCADA system aims to modernize water management in South Lebanon, ensuring efficient service delivery and infrastructure resilience.