Beirut: Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny, alongside National Defense Minister Michel Menassa, embarked on a field tour of Qaaqaiyat al-Jisr and Zawtar al-Gharbiya to evaluate infrastructure damage caused by Israeli attacks and monitor ongoing reconstruction efforts. Their visit aimed to ensure the implementation of rehabilitation measures, crucial for enabling residents to return and remain in their communities.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the tour commenced at the Qaaqaiyat al-Jisr bridge, which was destroyed during the spring 2026 Israeli offensive. The ministers were accompanied by local municipal officials and representatives from various agencies, inspecting the site and receiving briefings on measures to maintain traffic continuity. These include constructing a temporary crossing adjacent to the destroyed bridge, a project emphasized by Rasamny for its importance in restoring connectivity between the Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil districts.
Rasamny announced plans to rehabilitate the damaged retaining wall along the main road and initiate road maintenance works across several towns, including Zawtar al-Gharbiya and Srifa. The ministry also plans to rehabilitate the strategic Qaaqaiyat al-Jisr-Zawtar al-Gharbiya road, vital due to damage to alternative routes.
In Zawtar al-Gharbiya, the ministers assessed significant damage to homes and infrastructure, meeting residents who returned under Lebanese Army protection. Rasamny emphasized the government's commitment to reconstruction, prioritizing action over promises. He highlighted the Cabinet's emergency plan to rehabilitate roads and bridges during the war, ensuring no community remains isolated.
Further announcements included launching a temporary crossing over the Litani River to reconnect districts until a permanent bridge is built, and immediate reconstruction of retaining walls to secure road safety. Road repairs are set to begin in towns within the buffer zone, with strategic roads included in the 2026 rehabilitation program.
Rasamny underscored the ministry's dedication to restoring infrastructure, while Menassa reiterated the state's commitment to reasserting authority across Lebanese territory. The Defense Minister emphasized the role of the Lebanese Army in recovering territory and restoring essential services, expressing confidence in reclaiming occupied areas.
The visit concluded with a call for sustained coordination among state institutions to expedite rehabilitation efforts and restore normalcy to affected communities.