Frem demands a transparent tender with clear, rigorous terms and proven expertise to rehabilitate the Jeita hydroelectric power plant

The Chairman of “Project Watan’s” Executive Board, MP Neemat Frem, issued the following statement:

“For years, we have been calling for urgent action to stop the deterioration and decay of the Hrash-Jeita hydroelectric power plant, whose rehabilitation and reactivation are an absolute necessity, especially as darkness has engulfed the area, just as it has across all of Lebanon.

The last time I met with Jeita’s Mayor, Walid Baroud, to discuss this issue and prioritize it while awaiting the formation of a new government was just days before we were confronted with the deeply troubling and shocking revelation of a backroom deal for the plant’s rehabilitation, which, at the very least, violates established procedures and regulations. 

We strongly reject and denounce the numerous attempts – recently observed in various ministries within a caretaker government that is about to hand over its responsibilities – to issue decisions and push through deals by mutual agreement, without meeting even the most basic acceptance criteria and without any legal justification. Among these was the deal related to the Hrash-Jeita hydroelectric power plant in Keserwan, which was thankfully halted by the Court of Audit.

At the same time, we raise our voices in support of the mayor, the municipal council, and the residents of the area, demanding, first and foremost, a transparent tender process, linked to a clear and rigorous set of specifications, and executed with recognized and proven expertise to ensure the proper rehabilitation and operation of this vital power plant for Keserwan.”