Situation Analysis
Access to safe water has been further improved this month with the completion of the rehabilitation of 112 different water sources and 5km of water supply network. Ensuring that water is safe for drinking when households have access to poor quality water sources is partly being managed through the use of filter devices. The effectiveness and appropriate maintenance of some of these devices has been questionable and the South sub-sector is investigating current practices and alternative options.
Environmentally friendly and safe disposal of wastewater is a huge challenge in Lebanon, especially for the majority of locations across the country that are not connected to functioning treatment plants. This is exacerbated in Arsal where security concerns have prohibited the provision of safe desludging services. The Akkar and South sub-sectors are currently reviewing the quantities, costs and disposal practices for collection and disposal of wastewater and sludge from collective sites. Practical and feasible solutions are required to minimise the impact on the environment and particularly water resources since proposed treatment facilities may not be implemented for many years. One partner is developing a compact, modular and mobile treatment plant as a possible solution.
Other small-scale treatment systems need to be proposed by agencies and donors for review by MoEW.
Almost 4,000 bins were distributed in April to assist municipalities in the collection of solid waste, half of these being larger than 200L. These collection facilities and other equipment being donated to municipalities are helping to keep households and communities free of litter. However, massive efforts are required for the environmentally safe treatment and disposal of all this collected solid waste.
Over 2,000 hygiene promotion sessions were conducted in April and over 8,000 hygiene kits were distributed. In conjunction with this more WASH Committees are being established or strengthened by agencies to operate and maintain facilities and ensure hygienic practices in communities. Collective Site Management and Coordination (CSMC) committees have been similarly established and the two approaches need to be reconciled to ensure WASH needs are fully addressed.
Despite the favourable amount of precipitation over winter there remains a high risk of water scarcity during the upcoming summer and autumn period. The sector is preparing by updating information and mapping of high-risk areas building on the experience of last year. It is also assessing the capacity of agencies to respond and support Water Establishments where the needs are most critical.