Beirut: Public Works and Transport Minister, Fayez Rasamny, on Tuesday ordered immediate nationwide works to clear and rehabilitate rainwater drainage and sewage networks, as Lebanon braces for the 2025-2026 winter season.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, in a meeting with technical teams and contractors, Rasamny instructed crews to launch large-scale cleaning operations targeting both open and underground channels, manholes, culverts, and stormwater tunnels. The Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring unobstructed water flow to prevent floods and safeguard public safety during periods of heavy rainfall and climate volatility.

Moreover, Rasamny identified key sites slated for works, including the Khaldeh-Awali-Tyre-Naqoura highway and adjoining old road, the Zahrani-Nabatieh-Marjayoun-Marj al-Zohour axis, Beirut’s northern suburbs up to Casino du Liban, the Chekka-Koura-Bsharri-Zgharta-Tripoli corridor, Hazmieh-Chtaura-Masnaa, Masnaa-Rashaya-Marj al-Zohour, as well as the southern suburbs and other vulnerable regions.

Rasamny also unveiled a parallel public awareness campaign warning against the dumping of waste into waterways, a practice that frequently clogs drainage systems and damages infrastructure. He further urged coordination among ministries and agencies to find lasting solutions, including the removal of illegal encroachments on rivers and infrastructure.

Rasamny also emphasized the need to form specialized emergency units ready to intervene at flood-prone ‘black spots’ during storms, underscoring that ministry engineers and supervisors would closely monitor field implementation. ‘These measures aim to strengthen Lebanon’s drainage networks against heavy rains, protect public safety, and ensure the smooth flow of traffic,’ Rasamny affirmed.