The World Bank cancels the financing of the “Bisri Dam”

Beirut – Al Qabas –

After a politically busy week in Lebanon as a result of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit and the appointment of a new president to form the government, the political movement has relatively calmed down, overwhelmed by the pulse monitored by the Chilean machine under the rubble. of a building destroyed by the Beirut port explosion on August 4, to send the Lebanese people the hope of finding survivors. More than a month after the tragedy, amid the possibility that two young children (some assumed they were Syrian refugees) under the rubble … at a time when the popular uprising scored the first big goal on the line of power, and President Michel Aoun’s promise was to stop the Bisri dam project by canceling the $ 244 million financing from the World Bank. Dollar, hoping that all the futile projects fueled by sectarian deals and corruption, such as the agreement to establish a power plant in the Salataa Batrouni area, will also be canceled.

After years of struggle between the people and the authorities, the World Bank delivered its speech on the Bisri Dam project and announced that it had notified the Lebanese government to cancel the disbursement of 244 million dollars for the Bisri Dam project, stating that the decision to cancel the Lebanese loan would take effect immediately as a consequence of not completing the tasks necessary to build the dam. The International Monetary Fund had set the Lebanese government deadline to resume construction of the Bisri dam project, after it was frozen on April 17, 2020.

In context, MP Gebran Bassil tweeted: There will come a day when the Lebanese state, together with all the people of Beirut, Jezzine, Sidon, Chouf, Baabda and Aley, will demand funds for the Bisri dam, the political agony will fall and appear the need for water, then crying will not help.

Suspicions of corruption

The World Bank approved financing for this project of $ 617 million in 2014, including $ 474 million from the World Bank. However, opponents of the dam are not crying over an important water source that could be replaced by other less expensive projects. Rather, the objection was based on suspicions of embezzlement of loan funds and foreign aid, as well as warnings from environmental experts about the negative effects on biodiversity in the Bisri Valley.

The Lebanese accuse the ruling class of corruption and financing of public spending through international loans, which caused the accumulation of external debts over the years, as the external public debt reached 91 billion dollars by the end from last year.

Government path

Faced with these positive aspects, Mustafa Adeeb, president in charge of forming the government, continued his contacts to quickly complete his training, at the request of the French sponsor. The latest data indicated that there are basic obstacles to delivery, but more consultation is needed.

The splendor and service of Lebanon

As part of his return to Lebanese public affairs, businessman Bahaa El-Din Hariri explained that “there are attempts to form a government in Lebanon and we will see what kind of government will emerge.” In an interview with Sky News, Hariri said: “People want a government as soon as possible to deal with accumulated problems like the Beirut port explosion,” adding that “it is good that FBI investigators are involved in investigations of the explosion of the port of Beirut to direct it “.

Hariri believed that “the way the prime minister-designate, Mustafa Adeeb, was appointed between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement leads me to ask several questions.” And he considered that “Adeeb has a great plateau to climb, and the US Undersecretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker, did not meet with any of the political figures during his visit to Lebanon.”

“We need all the help that outside officials can provide, and the people were very clear in announcing that they wanted to completely separate from Hezbollah and the gods of war,” Hariri said. Hariri stressed that he is not seeking the post of prime minister, but will have a statement soon, in which he will announce how he will serve public life in Lebanon. He stressed that “I am not present in Lebanese life pursuing any political office and criticism must be accepted.”

The dangers of the port and the airport

On the first anniversary of the port explosion disaster, Adeeb tweeted: As we cover our wounds, we must stand united behind the hope of tomorrow and trust in our ability to rise up, reform and build a state that meets the aspirations of the new generation. , while we promise to continue with the investigations until the justice has its last word.

In addition, following information about an imminent danger at the Beirut airport, which is feared will cause another explosion, the financial prosecutor, Judge Ali Ibrahim, conducted an examination at the airport on the electricity, fuel and rainwater facilities. In Waqa, the army command announced that the 4 tons of ammonium nitrate found a few days ago in the port of Beirut had been treated.

Terrorist cell arrested

The Army Command announced that the Intelligence Directorate succeeded in arresting members of a terrorist cell linked to the terrorist organization ISIS that was in the process of conducting security activities within Lebanon, and investigations showed that the commander of that cell was the terrorist hiding from sight Khaled al-Talawi, whose car was used by the perpetrators of the Kaftoun crime, which occurred on 21 August last.