LEBANON - UNICEF - REHABILITATION OF POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS

Project components include expanded training activities and the purchase of water pumps, pipes, chlorinators, tools, and equipment. Three priorities have been defined for which these commodities will be purchased: (1) the rehabilitation of water systems in South Lebanon; (2) the replacement of old, unreliable equipment, and (3) system expansions. Within each category, rural water systems will receive highest priority. UNICEF will implement the project, while the Ministry for Hydraulic and Electric Resources (MHER) will be the cooperating agency within the Government of Lebanon. To satisfy the requirements for the rehabilitation and restoration of water systems, equipment will be installed at several water system sites and water authority districts in North Lebanon, Mount Lebanon, South Lebanon, and the Beka"a. Forty-seven chlorinators will be installed to eliminate instances of water contamination. A total of 171 km of pipe will be laid to distribute water from existing wells, springs, and storage tanks. MHER will finance the placement of an additional 300 km of pipe. Fifty-two pumpsets will be installed to replace heavily damaged equipment in South Lebanon, to relieve excessive demands on water systems in the suburban areas of Beirut and Tripoli, and to provide piped water for the first time to areas of South Lebanon. UNICEF will provide quarterly reports on procured and installed equipment and a final report upon program completion. Before expanding water systems, studies will be conducted on the adequacy of the water source and completeness of engineering and design plans. UNICEF will be authorized to spend $250,000 on training activities. A part-time and full-time engineer will advise the GOL on equipment needs, supervision of installation, and how the GOL might design, operate, and maintain water systems. An estimated 950,000 people will benefit from improved water services.