The Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rassamny. (Credit: NNA)
Lebanese Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rassamny said Wednesday that the government is prioritizing rebuilding infrastructure destroyed during the nearly 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
"The rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by the recent Israeli aggression against Lebanon is among the ministry’s main priorities, with a particular focus on repairing roads, border crossings, and essential infrastructure, notably ports and airports," Rassamny told Qatar News Agency.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Sunday in an interview with Al-Manar TV that it is the government’s responsibility to fund reconstruction in areas devastated by the war with Israel.
A World Bank report published last week estimated the cost of recovery and reconstruction at $11 billion, including $8.4 billion in "immediate" needs for 2025-2027 and an additional $2.6 billion in "medium-term" needs for 2028-2030.
Qleiaat airport
Rassamny also said that "reforming the public transport sector is a fundamental component" of his ministry’s vision, adding that improved transport would "alleviate the economic burden on citizens and promote sustainability."
A week after making similar comments at Beirut's international airport, Rassamny reiterated the need to ensure "airport security," saying "strict measures have been implemented to reinforce security standards at this vital facility."
He also reaffirmed his commitment to rehabilitating the Qleiaat airport in Akkar, a project opposed by several political factions, including members of the National Moderation bloc, which consists mostly of former Hariri-aligned Sunni MPs from Akkar.
"The ministry is currently developing the necessary technical and economic studies to make Qleiaat airport operational again, with the aim of improving air traffic and ensuring balanced economic development across Lebanon’s regions," Rassamny said.
Ties with Qatar
Rassamny used the interview to thank Qatar for its ongoing support.
"The relations between Lebanon and Qatar are historical and strong," he said, noting that "Doha has provided considerable support to Lebanon at different stages and has reaffirmed its commitment to standing by its side."
He added that his ministry is working to "strengthen cooperation between the two countries through joint projects, particularly in the ports, airports, and transport sectors, given their crucial role in boosting the Lebanese economy and supporting sustainable development."
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during the extraordinary summit in Cairo on March 4, where they discussed a reconstruction plan for Gaza, according to the Lebanese presidency. The Qatari emir affirmed his country’s willingness to continue supporting the Lebanese Army and helping finance key projects, such as the development of the electricity sector, the presidency said.