Salam stresses priority of Nabatieh reconstruction and residents’ return

BEIRUT — Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed Friday that revitalizing Nabatieh and ensuring the return of its residents were key priorities as Lebanon seeks to revive the south, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Salam made the remarks during a meeting dedicated to following up on reconstruction efforts in the southern city, attended by Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny, Council for Development and Reconstruction President Mohammed Ali Kabbani, South Lebanon Council President Hashem Haidar and Nabatieh Mayor Abbas Fakhr El-Din, among other officials.

“Revitalizing Nabatieh, the capital of Jabal Amel, is a key priority as part of efforts to revive the south and ensure the return of its residents to their towns and villages,” Salam said, according to the NNA.

He also stressed “the importance of the city’s role as a center for the governorate” and its administrative, economic and service functions.

Officials reviewed progress made in facilitating residents’ return and revitalizing the city, as well as the main needs and challenges that remain, particularly regarding infrastructure, public facilities and public services.

The meeting also resulted in an agreement on mechanisms to follow up on these issues and coordinate between the relevant authorities to accelerate the implementation of priority measures and projects, the NNA reported.

Salam had visited Zawtar Gharbieh in the Nabatieh district of South Lebanon in July. During the visit, he planted the Lebanese flag to assert state sovereignty as part of a pilot deployment zone under a framework agreement.

Nabatieh, a major urban and commercial center in southern Lebanon, has been among the areas affected by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Efforts to facilitate residents’ return have been accompanied by reconstruction needs, including repairs to infrastructure, public facilities and essential services.