UN-Habitat and the Republic of Korea in Lebanon sign a US$ 500,000 project to supply and install renewable energy solutions for public facilities in Zahle

The project entitled: “Improved access to municipal and social services through renewable energy alternatives” will enhance access to social and basic services for the residents of Zahle through the supply and installation of renewable energy solutions. Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roofs of two public facilities in Zahle: the Tel Chiha Hospital and the Water Pumping Station run by the Beqaa Water Establishment (BWE) to generate constant and reliable power supply during the day for operation and water supply. The project will also enable the installation of renewable energy lighting fixtures on streets in Zahle to ensure public safety.

Ambassador Park, emphasized on the commitment of the Korean Government in collaboration with UN-Habitat to support Lebanese authorities in offsetting some of the many hardships endured by vulnerable people in Lebanon, and in this case specifically with renewable energy alternatives. He said: "Korea is always standing by the Lebanese people in their efforts for peace, stability, and prosperity and will contribute to the recovery, rehabilitation, and capacity building of Lebanon."

‘‘Energy is considered as a major factor for the development of cities. The current economic crisis in Lebanon has affected the supply of energy across communities, which is having a great impact on the provision of basic public services such as healthcare and water supply.’’ said Taina Christiansen, Head of UN-Habitat Lebanon Country Programme. ‘’We, as UN-Habitat are working closely with our partners in Lebanon on integrated approaches to provide sustainable urban solutions for cities for a better future.’’

This project is in line with the Lebanon Emergency Response Plan, a multi-sectoral Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to address the needs of the most vulnerable affected by the crisis.

About the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

UN-Habitat works in over 90 countries supporting people in cities and human settlements for a better urban future. Working with governments and local partners, its high impact projects combine world-class expertise and local knowledge to deliver timely and targeted solutions. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a dedicated Goal on cities, SDG 11 – to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

For media enquiries:

Layal Abou Antoun

UN-Habitat Lebanon

T: +961 1 985 398

M: +961 81 512629

E: layal.abouantoun@un.org

Sooyeon Kim

Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Lebanon

T: +961-5-922-849 (144)

M: +961-71-581-564

E: syekim22@mofa.go.kr