U.S. Government Works to Reduce Water Pollution in the Upper Litani River Basin

November 21, 2009

On November 21, the village of Fourzol in the Beqaa Valley celebrated the opening of the Fourzol Wastewater Treatment Plant.   This new wastewater treatment plant will serve over 6,000 citizens, diminishing the pollution in the Upper Litani River Basin by treating 1,000 cubic meters of sewage per day, thus eliminating direct disposal of waste into the river. 

The U.S. government provided $4 million in funding for this project through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which included the construction of the facility as well as equipment and training for the employees. 

U.S. funding will also help Fourzol operate and maintain the plant for one year following construction, as it becomes self-sufficient.  As an example of partnership between the U.S. government and local communities, the Fourzol Municipality provided land, access roads, electricity, water and sewage networks, and will take care of disposing the waste generated by the treatment plant.  This project is a part of the $18 million USAID “Wastewater Systems for Small Villages” program and is the second USAID funded wastewater treatment plant to be put into service in Lebanon, after the $6 million Aitanit Plant that was opened last May.

In her remarks, USAID Mission Director Denise Herbol applauded the role of the Interior Ministry for its support in empowering municipalities. She also emphasized the municipalities’ contributions towards the success of the program that will alleviate the pollution of the Litani River to improve citizens’ health.