Cabinet to Make Technical Extension of Naameh Landfill, Sukleen Contract

The cabinet is expected on Monday to agree on the technical extension of the operations of the Naameh landfill and the contract with dump collectors, Environment Minister Mohammed al-Mashnouq said after a preliminary agreement was reached to resolve the controversial waste treatment file.

Al-Mashnouq told several local dailies that the extension would take place to avoid drowning Beirut and Mount Lebanon streets with trash.

Last week, the government failed to agree on the treatment of waste after Kataeb Party ministers objected to a plan proposed by the environment minister to divide Lebanon into five blocs.

The plan also requests the Council of Development and Reconstruction to launch tenders to sign contracts with companies to collect and treat solid waste in several areas.

But the Kataeb has expressed fears that the companies would fall under the influence of powerful parties in those areas. They wanted to give the government the upper hand in deciding the location of the landfills for the treatment of waste.

Information Minister Ramzi Jreij, a Kataeb minister, visited Prime Minister Tammam Salam on Sunday after which the party leader, Amin Gemayel, issued a statement expressing “absolute confidence” in the premier.

“The file would be eventually resolved,” Gemayel said.

Al-Mashnouq praised the Kataeb, saying the party “tried to put things on the right track after the statement it issued.”

“I believe this could be a gateway for a solution to the solid waste crisis during the cabinet session today,” said the minister.

Al-Mashnouq was asked which company would collect dumps after the expiry of the government’s contract with Sukleen on January 17, the same date when the Naameh landfill should be officially closed.

The minister said the contract with the firm could be extended as well.

“We cannot but to take such a decision because we can't deny the citizen his right for hygiene,” he added.

G.K.

H.K.