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The Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade of the interim government, Raoul Nehme, announced Thursday that in the next stage he will demolish the waste of grain after its foundations cracked as a result of the terrible explosion that shook the port of Beirut three months ago.
In a press conference held at the ministry, Nehme said that after studying the reality of the building by experts, “it became clear to us that the sanctuary is damaged … and represents a threat to the public safety of those who approach it” .
He explained that “the possibility of collapse is present at all times, especially because the foundations of (the building) are damaged, and its demolition has been necessary to avoid any other problem that may arise,” noting that “the army will charge of the demolition of the mihraa with the support of experts “.
The waste of destroyed grain in the port of Beirut
A horrific explosion took place in Pavilion 12, alongside wheat scraps, in the port on August 4, killing more than two hundred people, including several control room employees, and wounding more than 6,500. It also caused significant damage to the port and several neighborhoods in the capital.
Authorities attributed the explosion to the storage of large quantities of ammonium nitrate in the port without protective conditions. The authorities, who have arrested 25 people, including senior officials responsible for managing the port and its security, are investigating the case without announcing any results yet.
Corn kernels scattered around silos after the explosion
About 45 thousand tons of grain, especially wheat and corn, were stored in the silos when the explosion occurred, according to the Ministry of Economy, without clearing the quantities that still remain in some of the silos.
However, Nima made it clear that “it was not suitable for human and animal consumption”, according to reports prepared by experts after the explosion. He added that “we will work to empty the silos as soon as possible and without risk” to preserve the safety of the workers.
Lebanon began to build the silences in the late 1960s, thanks to a loan obtained at the time from the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development.
An image of nonsense, back in 1975
And the United Nations warned in late August that more than half of Lebanon’s population is at risk of food insecurity in the coming months, after the explosion exacerbated the acute economic crisis in the country.
In a report, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) called on the Lebanese government to give priority to rebuilding grain waste, as it is essential for national food security.
Nima’s comments came a day after the municipality of Ghobeiry (suburbs of Beirut) announced that thousands of tons of flour shipped to Lebanon from the state of Iraq after the explosion could be damaged by storing it under the City’s terraces. Deportiva, which provoked widespread criticism of the Ministry of Economy.
In this context, Nehme said, “the amount affected does not exceed three bags and will be gradually withdrawn.” He explained that the Iraqi donation amounted to 10,000 tons, of which about 3,000 were distributed, while the remaining amount was stored in the Sports City.
