U.S. Government to Build New Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Beqa’a

April 27, 2009

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Presidents of the Municipalities of Ablah, Nabi Ayla and Niha in the Beqa’a for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant to be located in Ablah. 

This $2.5 million USAID project will be implemented by Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM) in partnership with the three municipalities.   The project includes construction, equipment and training for the employees.  The wastewater treatment plant will serve 14,000 residents in Ablah, Nabi Ayla and Niha.  The facility will have the capacity to treat up to 2,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day.  The treated water will be discharged into the Litani River alleviating the pollution to the river and reducing the chance of citizens catching water born diseases.

As their contribution to the partnership, the municipalities will provide land, access roads, electricity, water, and sewer networks.  The municipalities will also be responsible for the interim operation and maintenance of the facility until responsibility is transferred to the Beqaa Water Establishment.

The Ablah wastewater treatment plant is part of USAID’s $18 million Small Village Wastewater Treatment Plants project which will alleviate the pollution of the Litani River and improve the residents’ health.   USAID forms partnerships with the Lebanese government, civil society organizations, and local citizens to implement projects throughout Lebanon.