The Lebanese Minister out of public works and transport, Ali Hamiyé (G), in a meeting with the French Minister responsible for transport, Patrice Vergriete. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Lebanese Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamieh, during his visit to France, confirmed on Thursday that specifications are currently being prepared as part of the tenders set to initiate the rehabilitation of Beirut's port. The port was devastated by two massive explosions on August 4, 2020, which resulted in significant destruction across the country's capital.
"We have recently issued a directive to begin preparing the specifications for the various port facilities, as well as for the new services we are aiming to introduce, in line with our strategic vision to develop the Lebanese port sector so it can fulfill its role in the Eastern Mediterranean region," Hamieh stated, according to a press release from the National News Agency (NNA), on the sidelines of a meeting with the French delegate to the Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, in charge of Transport, Patrice Vergriete.
The Lebanese minister expressed gratitude towards France for "the assistance it has provided and continues to provide to Lebanon, especially in the sectors overseen by the Public Works Ministry."
He particularly noted the "technical assistance" from French companies in drafting a new master plan to rehabilitate the port area. A ceremony is scheduled for March 13 to unveil the details of this plan, developed by Egis, Artelia, and Électricité de France (EDF), and funded by the French government.
Hamieh is in Paris to attend the inaugural "Building and Climate" World Forum, taking place in the French capital on Thursday and Friday.
