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PRESS RELEASE

USAID INAUGURATES TWO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS IN KHRAIBEH AND MAASSER EL CHOUF

Friday, August 10, 2007

Beirut, Lebanon

Media Notice
For Immediate Release

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef inaugurated two wastewater treatment plants in the areas of Khraibeh and Maasser El Chouf on August 10, 2007, in the presence of the Head of the Upper Chouf Union of Municipalities Mr. Roger Ashi, as well as representatives of local municipalities that will benefit from the plants. Located in Khraibeh and in Maasser El Chouf, each of the plants can treat up to 450 cubic meters of waste and serve more than 3,000 residents.

With funding from the American people, USAID and its partner the Catholic Near East Welfare Association/Pontifical Mission have constructed seven wastewater treatment plants and 25,800 meters of sewage networks, including the two inaugurated. Almost 25,000 people in twelve villages in the Upper Chouf area benefit from the plants.

The plants are located in Khraibeh, Maasser El Chouf, Aamatour (to serve Aamatour, Ain Qani, Baadaran and Haret Jandal), Bater (to also serve Niha), Moukhtara (to also serve Butmeh), Jbaa and Mrousti. The municipalities contributed such things as land for the plants, assistance in obtaining permits, electricity generators and preliminary site preparation.

By eliminating previously uncontrolled sewage, the project will improve health in the area and increase the quality of soil and water. In addition to the plants, USAID and its partners conducted awareness campaigns to educate local residents on minimizing waste and controlling what they dump into the sewage system.

USAID has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. In Lebanon, USAID creates jobs, invests in youth and protects the environment. With funds from the American people, USAID provides $40 million in assistance a year, working in partnership with Lebanese and U.S. organizations. USAID’s work reflects the strong friendship between the Lebanese and American people. For more information about USAID’s projects in Lebanon, visit USAID’s website www.usaidlebanon.org.lb.

Public Affairs Office – Press Section
P.O. Box: 70-840 Antelias
Tel: 961-4-542600; Fax: 961-4-544861
E-mail: PASBeirut@State.gov ; Web Page: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov