Minister of Environment Fadi Jreissati said on Sunday that Lebanon has failed in the past years to draft a comprehensive waste management plan for the country, instead presenting solutions to the problem only in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
“The problem of solid waste would not end this summer. We don’t possess magical solutions to treat 2,000 tons of waste every day,” the minister told Asharq Al-Awsat.
He said residents and politicians reject the reopening of the Naameh landfill south of Beirut, as for the Costa Brava dump, it would not be closed before two years.
“Landfills are not the solution, but the ability to sort waste at the source in addition to the expansion of the Borj Hammoud landfill,” Jreissati said.
The minister warned that if the cabinet does not approve the solid waste plan, Lebanon would face the same crisis in two years time.
He said a plan presented by the government for the treatment of solid waste is based on a strategy of several phases stretching until 2030.
“The first clause stipulates getting rid of 1,000 random dumps and to transfer waste to around 25 landfills,” Jreissati said.
The minister said that all previous plans to treat solid waste were caused by political differences.
He confirmed that technical solutions exist, however certain politicians are meddling in the opening and closure of landfills.
Four years ago, a waste crisis led to mounds of trash in the streets of Beirut and Mount Lebanon, and the government still fails to find solutions.
Last week, Human Rights Watch said the Borj Hammoud landfill is set to reach capacity by the end of July.
Concerning Lebanon’s beaches, the minister said more than 14 clean spots along the coast are safe for swimming.
“Tourists are asked to get information about those sites and to enjoy Lebanon’s beach,” Jreissati said.
