South lebanon: US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa inspected several projects being implemented by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Zawtar al-Gharbi and Qaaqaiyat al-Jisr during a tour of South Lebanon on Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement. The works are part of the government-approved emergency action plan for affected areas, aimed at reopening roads, restoring access, and addressing damage to infrastructure.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, representing Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny on the tour were the ministry's Regional Director for the South, Engineer Haitham Bazzi, Execution Department head Dr. Ali Najm, and Engineer Imad Awada of Dar Al-Handasah - Nazih Taleb. Bazzi briefed Issa on interventions carried out under the plan, particularly in pilot areas, including reopening roads, removing rubble and debris, rehabilitating damaged routes, and carrying out structural works needed to restore traffic and access to affected towns.

In Qaaqaiyat al-Jisr, the ambassador inspected the temporary crossing built by the ministry after the bridge was damaged, as well as retaining-wall works and other measures aimed at reinforcing the roadway and improving safety. Ministry officials explained that the temporary crossing restored a vital connection between the Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil districts pending a permanent reconstruction solution.

The delegation later visited Zawtar al-Gharbi, where a meeting with the municipality focused on local road and infrastructure priorities. Bazzi said the works were being implemented on Rasamny's instructions to accelerate field interventions, reopen roads, and address damaged points without delay.

The ministry said it would continue implementing its emergency plan across South Lebanon according to field priorities, with further road rehabilitation, safety works, and infrastructure stabilization to follow before transitioning from emergency interventions to permanent reconstruction.