EU launches irrigation and drinking water projects in Southern Lebanon

Facilities funded under the EU's programme "Support to Economic recovery in South Lebanon" and worth a total of €18 million have been inaugurated by Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the EU Delegation to Lebanon, and Mr. Nabil el Jisr, President of the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR).  A press release said the programme includes two components, one implemented by the CDR and the other by the Economic and Social Fund for Development (ESFD).   The delegation visited Kfar Hamam, Helta, Al Mery, Nabatieh and Roumin, which are among the many Lebanese municipalities benefiting from EU-funded facilities for irrigation, public sanitation (especially for drinkable water) and municipality buildings. The inaugurated projects are:  - An artesian well for drinkable water in Kfarhamam (caza of Hasbaya)- A water treatment plant in Helta (caza of Hasbaya) for irrigation- An artesian well for drinkable water in Nabatieh- A municipal building in Roumin (caza of Nabatieh)   Ambassador Eichhorst underlined that "it is essential to dedicate special attention to communities which are most vulnerable. Without job opportunities, an adequate environment, access to basic services and without full attention from the national authorities, citizens can not develop their full potential". Inaugurating the new municipality building in Roumin, she added: "the inauguration of this building has a highly symbolic value: it literally creates a space for local democracy, for decision making and for the participation of all citizens in the future of their community."   The EU's support to local and regional development amounts to €54 million since 2006, out of which more than €20 million has been allocated to South Lebanon, and in particular to regions affected by the 2006 conflict.