BEIRUT – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and its partner INTERSOS, today handed over 201 solar-powered streetlights that were installed in the town of Sebline, Mount Lebanon, in the presence of the mayor of the town, Mr. Mohammad Younes, and other officials. The project is providing sustained electricity supply to more than 10,000 Lebanese and refugees living in the area.
“Something as essential as street-lighting has become out of reach for many due to lengthy electricity outages in the country. As streetlights are essential to keep the residents of Sebline safe, this project has been a priority for UNHCR,” said Frederic Cussigh, UNHCR Head of Office in Mount Lebanon. “This project is an example of the positive impact that UNHCR interventions aim to have on all people across Lebanon,” he added.
As part of its support to communities across Lebanon, throughout 2022, UNHCR and partners have implemented innovative solutions to the country’s energy crisis through over 74 community support projects. These projects have increased Lebanese and refugees’ access to sustainable energy by providing solar-powered electricity to primary healthcare centres, governmental hospitals, and water establishment stations, benefiting over 1.5 million persons in more than 84 villages across the country.
In 2022, over 480,000 individuals benefited from UNHCR projects in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions alone. In addition to Sebline, UNHCR-installed solar streetlights in Naameh, Sad El Baushrieh and the old airport road have increased the protection of residents from road accidents, thefts, and other risks. Small businesses have also benefited from the streetlights as they can now operate for longer hours.
“This project gave us hope. We feel safe now,” says Mohammad Younes, Mayor of Sebline. “The streetlights project in Sebline is vital and it covers over two-thirds of the village. The residents of the town feel safer when they walk outside after dark.”
Other UNHCR-supported projects in Beirut and Mount Lebanon include the installation of five solar-powered systems in the towns of Aramoun, Barja, Damour, the Union of the Southern Suburbs of Beirut and Shoueifat, ensuring uninterrupted access to clean water for almost 100,000 residents. UNHCR also supported the Chiyah primary healthcare centre with a solar-powered system which has enhanced access to essential services for patients.
UNHCR has been supporting Lebanese institutions and communities since 2011, including 655 community support projects to upgrade public infrastructure in towns and villages across Lebanon.
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