Beirut September 10, 2018 –Rene Moawad Foundation celebrated the completion of a project to improve electricity production in the Arsal municipality. This project was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Building Alliance for Local Advancement, Development, and Investment (BALADI) Project. USAID, through the BALADI Project implemented by René Moawad Foundation (RMF), provided $100,000 worth of assistance for five new 250 KVA electrical transmission stations covering 40 streets in Arsal. This assistance is in close cooperation with the municipality of Arsal, which is contributing $20,000 for needed civil works and community awareness sessions on saving energy.
The ceremony marking the completion of the project was held at Arsal municipality (Baalbeck-Hermel district) in the presence of USAID Mission Director Dr. Anne Patterson, RMF Executive Director Michel Moawad, the Mayor of Arsal Bassel Al Houjairy, Arsal municipal council members, and other representatives of the Arsal community.
In her remarks, Ambassador Richard emphasized, “The U.S. Government is committed to the people of Arsal as you progress in revitalizing and developing your town.” Ambassador Richard announced additional USAID assistance to Arsal comprising up to seven new local development activities.
For more than six years, the residents of Arsal have suffered from insufficient voltage and a lack of electrical grid connections. The new electricity transmission stations now serve 16,000 Lebanese and more than 10,000 Syrian refugees in 2,300 homes, 480 businesses, and 6 schools.
