USAID Lebanon: From the American People
 

PRESS RELEASE

USAID OPENS NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN AITANIT

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Beirut, Lebanon

The U.S. Government is continuing its assistance to improve the lives of Lebanese citizens by alleviating the pollution of the Litani River. 

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol opened the new wastewater treatment plant in Aitanit.  The new plant will serve up to 35,000 residents of Aitanit, Machghara, Baaloul and Qaraoun.

This $6 million USAID project, implemented by Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM), funded the construction of the facility, and the operation and maintenance training for the employees.  USAID and CDM will monitor the operations of the facility for one year. 

USAID and project implementers like CDM join local organizations to form partnerships.  It is the local partners who ensure sustainability once projects are completed.  The Union of Lake Municipalities was the Aitanit project partner.  The Union provided land, access roads, electricity, water and telephone connections, and landscaping.   The Union’s contributions, commitment to the project and care for the region enabled the project to be completed successfully.

In her remarks, USAID Director Denise Herbol stressed the importance of the Union’s contributions when she said:  “Everyone has been committed to this project.  It is a partnership that works to improve citizens’ lives and the Litani River.”

The Aitanit wastewater treatment plant is part of the larger USAID Small Village Wastewater Treatment Plants project, which is an $18 million project.   Aitanit is one of two plants initially developed and is the first to be brought on-line.  The second plant is in Fourzol and will be tested in June.