The United Nations Development Program’s Live Lebanon initiative, along with Jdeidet Marjeyoun municipality, inaugurated the successful implementation of the solar streetlights project in the Southern village of Jdeidet Marjeyoun. The project was entirely funded by the generous contribution of Goodwill Ambassador Mr. Ghaleb Farha. The inauguration ceremony was held in the municipality of Jdeidet Marjeyoun, in the presence of the Mayor Mr. Amal Hourani, UNDP Social and Local development program manager Dr. Raghed Assi, important figures of the village and surrounding regions, as well as residents of the area.
The project implemented aims at providing the village with solar streetlight systems in view of creating a more safe environment in terms of transportation and reducing the momentous number of dangerous accidents. The solar energy is a local solution to the ongoing electricity shortage problem in Lebanon which will also contribute to the mitigation of climate change and environmental threats.
After hearing the Lebanese national anthem, Mr. Amal Hourani, mayor of Jdeidet Marjeyoun gave a welcome speech in which he pointed out the necessity and importance of the project, made possible due to the efforts of UNDP’s Live Lebanon initiative and the personal donations of Goodwill Ambassador Mr. Ghaleb Farha.
Dr. Assi explained that this project is one of the many successfully implemented Live Lebanon projects, which are categorized into four pillars- healthy, young, green and prosperous Lebanon. He stated that Live Lebanon implemented 55 projects that directly benefitted more than 250,000 of Lebanon’s most underprivileged residents all over the country thanks to the generosity of Live Lebanon’s Goodwill Ambassadors. Dr. Assi also emphasized on the relevance and sustainability of this project- “The solar streetlight project, which lights the streets of Jdeidet Marjeyoun decreases the traffic accidents’ ratio and boosts the economic wheel in the area”.
He stated that any Lebanese person willing to help underprivileged citizens can participate and contribute to make a change in the country through Live Lebanon’s transparent platform. Dr.Assi stressed on the importance of Goodwill Ambassadors who play a major role worldwide in the promotion and funding of the projects. He then proceeded by thanking Mr. Farha for his numerous generous contributions that made various projects possible in regions such as Hermel, Akkar, Baalbeck, Rachaya, Nabatiye and Southerm Dahiye.
Furthermore, Mr. Farha stressed on the fact that Live Lebanon projects are selected in a transparent manner all over the country, away from discriminatory opinion or political interests. He then expressed his attachment to Jdeidet Marjeyoun along with its residents despite the long period he spent away from Lebanon. “I am proud to have been representing Live Lebanon since its launching in 2010 and to have had the opportunity to contribute to the successful implementation of this project. The 60 street light systems provided are of top quality due to the double battery poles that are equipped to resist accidents and bad weather conditions” says Farha.
Mr. Farha emphasized on his emotional attachment to the village as well as the fact that this project is far from being the last one to be implemented in Jdeidet Marjeyoun. In 2010, Live Lebanon contributed to provision of the Governmental Hospital of Jdeidet Marjeyoun with x-ray machines and other equipment which helped more than 5000 people per year heal and saved the lives of many. In 2011, we proceeded with the rehabilitation and renovation of Jdeidet Marjeyoun Middle School. Also, Live Lebanon secured the funding of the project we are celebrating today in 2015 and he promised that the efforts made are only the beginning of many more projects to come. He stated that they will start the launch of a project that has never been seen before in Lebanon. It consists of promoting safety in school and on the streets surrounding them as well as on the school buses. There will also be a national safety awareness campaign that will serve as an example to be firstly expanded to all Jdeidet Marjeyoun schools and then to all of Lebanon’s private and public schools.
Finally, Mr. Amal Hourani presented commemorative shields to Mr. Farha and Dr. Assi, before cutting the ribbon. The inauguration was then followed by a tour in the area where the poles were installed.