21 Jul 2020 | 08:19 PM UTC
Lebanon: Protesters gather in Bisri Valley to denounce dam project July 21
Activists gather at site of dam project in Bisri Valley on July 21; further unrest possible over the near term
Event
Protesters gathered in the Bisri Valley, along the border between Mount Lebanon and South province, on Tuesday, July 21, ahead of a deadline on the recommencement of a controversial dam project. The World Bank had imposed a deadline of Wednesday, July 22, for the recommencement of the construction of the Bisri Dam project or funding for the project will be halted. Dozens of activists gathered in the valley throughout the day on Tuesday in protest against the project and military personnel were deployed to the construction site entrance to prevent the protesters from gaining access to the site.
Further unrest around the site of the project is expected over the coming days.
Context
The World Bank has provided USD600 million of the USD1.2 billion cost of the dam project on the Awali River, which began in 2014. The project aims to tackle Lebanon's water problems, particularly in Greater Beirut and the Mount Lebanon area. Civil society groups have opposed the project due to its perceived impact on the environment, agriculture, and archaeological and cultural sites.
Advice
Those in Lebanon are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
