Opposition MPs Propose Allocation of LL60 Billion to Resolve High-voltage Lines Crisis

MPs Marwan Hamadeh and Nadim Gemayel, from the opposition March 14 forces, have proposed an urgent draft law to solve the high-voltage electricity lines crisis in the Metn towns of Mansourieh and Ain Saadeh.

Parliament is expected on Wednesday to discuss the draft law that suggests allocating 60 billion liras for the energy ministry to install underground lines to ease years of protests.

The proposal comes after the cabinet approved last month to install the lines above ground to connect the Mkalles and Bsalim power plants. The government’s decision also included a proposal to buy the apartment buildings in the area of Mansourieh and Ain Saadeh if residents wished to leave.

But the move drew the ire of residents, who stressed that the lines should be installed underground due to the dangers of the electromagnetic fields of high-voltage wires.

Energy Minister Jebran Bassil insists that the project does not pose any health risk on residents who live in buildings that lie in the path of the lines.

The cost of installing them underground is much less than the government’s project.