More than 12,400 people benefit from the Germany and UK funded projects in five Lebanese municipalities
Bakaa, 14 October 2016: His Excellency Mr. Arthur Nazarian, Minister of Energy and Water inaugurated today five water projects in the Bekaa Valley. The three reservoirs and two wells, funded by the governments of Germany and the UK - with support from UNICEF, will improve access to potable water for local communities and refugees.
“The increased burden on the water and sanitation infrastructure with the influx of refugees after years of neglect necessitated focused interventions to avert a humanitarian and environmental crisis.” said H.E. Mr. Nazarian during the visit, adding “we thank the governments of Germany and the UK for their support to help us provide access to clean water and a healthier living environments for both Lebanese host communities and refugees.”
UNICEF’s Representative, Tanya Chapuisat, thanked H.E. Mr. Nazarian for his leadership on the exemplary partnership with the local municipalities, water establishments and the donor community saying “this strong partnership is evidence of our dedicated commitment that the right to safe water is protected for all children in Lebanon.”
The visit included the inauguration of the Germany funded Saghbine and Aana wells with His Excellency the German Ambassador to Lebanon, Mr. Martin Huth. Over the past two years Germany has supported implementation of more than 60 projects benefiting more than one million people across Lebanon.
“Germany has been a traditional partner of Lebanon in the Water sector and has supported Lebanon’s institutions and related infrastructure for decades.” said H.E. Ambassador Huth, adding “We have continued to do so in response to the refugee crisis. By the end of this year Germany’s support to Lebanon will reach USD 350 million. In 2014-15 we have allocated USD 23 million to support UNICEF implemented water and sanitation activities and we will be considering and additional contribution next year.”
His Excellency Nazarian also visited three projects in Tal Znoub, Ain Zebedeh and Aitanit funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DfID) with Ms. Beth Arthy, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa department at DfID. Over the past two year the Government of the United Kingdom funded 34 projects improving water supply for more than 500,000 people across Lebanon.
“The UK is committed to supporting Lebanon's stability, economy and education and is playing a leading role convening support with the donor community as we did during the London pledging conference.” said Ms. Arthy adding “our work with local communities shows that we recognize that the need to support the Lebanese impacted by the crisis – providing education, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities that will endure after the crisis.”
For more information Salam Abdulmunem, UNICEF Lebanon, sabdulmunem@unicef.org, +961 70996605
