Salam emphasizes rebuilding Nabatieh and the return of its residents

BEIRUT — Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Friday that revitalizing Nabatieh and ensuring the return of its residents are priorities as Lebanon works to revive the South, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

Salam made the remarks during a meeting focused on reconstruction efforts in the southern city. The meeting was attended by Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny, Council for Development and Reconstruction President Mohammed Ali Kabbani, Council for the South President Hashem Haidar, Nabatieh mayor Abbas Fakhreddine and other officials.

"Revitalizing Nabatieh, the capital of Jabal Amel, is a key priority in efforts to revive the South and ensure the return of its residents to their cities and villages," Salam said. He also stressed "the importance of the city’s role as the center of the mohafazat," given its administrative, economic and service functions.

The officials reviewed progress toward facilitating residents’ return and revitalizing the city, as well as outstanding needs and challenges, particularly those related to infrastructure, equipment and public services. They also agreed on mechanisms to monitor progress and coordinate between the relevant authorities, with the aim of speeding up the implementation of priority measures and projects.

Salam visited Zawtar Gharbieh, in the Nabatieh district of south Lebanon, last July, where he planted the Lebanese flag to assert state sovereignty as part of a pilot deployment zone.

Nabatieh, a major urban and commercial center in south Lebanon, was among the areas heavily affected by the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Efforts to facilitate residents’ return are accompanied by significant reconstruction needs, including the rehabilitation of infrastructure, public facilities and essential services.