Walking down a street in Beirut, this man carries empty water jugs. (Credit: AFP/File photo)
BEIRUT — The water supply is back in the Metn region, as well as in the Beirut neighborhoods of Achrafieh and Bourj Abi Haidar, following a temporary solution after a breakdown at the Zouk Mkael power plant, a senior source at the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water establishment confirmed to L'Orient-Le Jour on Tuesday.
"We were supplied with electricity from the Bsalim station [located in the Metn region] at 6 p.m. on Monday, and we immediately began pumping water to the affected areas," said the source. "Today, all regions that were facing water shortages have been resupplied."
Since last Wednesday, Metn, as well as the districts of Achrafieh and Bourj Abi Haidar, had been without water due to a breakdown at Zouk Mkael. To temporarily alleviate the issue, the affected pumping stations were supplied with power from the Bsalim power station in the Metn region.
Asked about the sustainability of this solution, the source replied that he "really can't give a clear answer. We were simply told: 'Here, we'll connect you to Bsalim and you'll have to make do with this source of electricity for the time being'. As long as we're connected to the power grid, we'll continue to pump water," concluded the source.
Last January, the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Office reported that running water was completely cut off in the Metn region, as well as in Beirut, due to the lack of electricity supply. The power cuts also affected the pumping stations at Mechref, Naameh, Damour, Jeita and Dbayeh.
Lebanese localities often experience water cuts that last several days. Mired in the worst economic crisis in its history, this has become a regular occurence in the country. Suppliers blame the water cuts on lack of electricity and resources, as well as poor working conditions and stolen equipment.