Zahle: Prime Minister, Dr. Nawaf Salam, made a significant visit to the Zahle Serail during his tour of the central Bekaa Governorate, where he led a meeting of the sub-security council. The visit underscores his commitment to enhancing security and advancing developmental projects in the region.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Premier Salam emphasized the necessity of ensuring the integrity and safety of the electoral process and encouraged voters to participate actively in selecting their representatives for municipal and mayoral councils. He praised the governorate’s implementation of an automated system for managing candidates’ applications and delegates.
During his visit, Salam engaged with several Central and West Bekaa MPs, including Elias Stephan, George Okais, George Bouchikian, Salim Aoun, Bilal Al-Hashimi, Rami Bou Hamdan, Ghassan Skaff, Wael Abou Faour, and Yassin Yassin. They discussed critical developmental issues, particularly the urgent need to repair the Dahr al-Baidar road to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity between the Bekaa and other governorates.
The discussions also focused on completing and expanding the Arab Highway, which is expected to significantly enhance the region’s infrastructure, boost internal and external trade, and open new economic opportunities for a historically marginalized area. Salam assured that the Council for Development and Reconstruction, along with various Arab funds, is committed to realizing these infrastructure projects.
Environmental concerns were also addressed, with particular attention to the Litani River, a crucial environmental and economic resource. Salam reiterated the state’s determination to eliminate pollution and encroachments on the river to safeguard the environment, public health, and agricultural productivity. He announced the formation of a ministerial committee dedicated to addressing the river’s issues.
Concluding his visit, Salam highlighted the importance of the Bekaa Valley as Lebanon’s breadbasket, expressing the desire for it to remain a source of nourishment rather than harm. He announced the establishment of the National Cannabis Authority, aiming to transform cannabis cultivation into a legitimate medical resource that supports the economy and serves humanitarian purposes.