Chehayeb says progress in solving trash crisis

In October 2015, Agriculture Minister Akram Chehayeb expressed optimism about the progress being made in addressing Lebanon’s severe trash crisis. Following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tammam Salam and attended by key officials, including Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouq, Chehayeb described the efforts as positive and serious. He highlighted the development of the Srar landfill site, noting that work on the sanitary landfill was advancing rapidly.

Chehayeb acknowledged the challenges faced, including objections to the proposed solutions, but emphasized the search for alternative sites and strategies to manage the waste effectively. He asserted that the progress made in these discussions could be pivotal in resolving the ongoing crisis, which had sparked widespread protests and environmental concerns across the country.

The minister’s remarks came during a period when Lebanon was grappling with the aftermath of the Naameh landfill closure, which had led to uncollected garbage piling up in Beirut and other areas. This situation underscored the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions and highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling the issue head-on.