Garbage Crisis Looms as Govt. Postpones Waste Management File to 2015
The government on Tuesday failed anew to find a solution to the problem of solid waste management, postponing debate over the file to 2015.
“The cabinet decided to postpone debate over the issue of solid waste management for further assessment,” Information Minister Ramzi Jreij announced after a cabinet session at the Grand Serail.
The popular campaign for the closure of the Naameh landfill warned on Tuesday against “any step not involving a clear decision to permanently shut down the landfill by January 17, 2015.”
During the cabinet session, the ministers of the Kataeb Party voiced objection against any renewal of the landfill's contract as their colleagues of the Progressive Socialist Party expressed reservations, which prompted Prime Minister Tammam Salam to adjourn the session.
“Between wasting public funds and flooding the streets with garbage, we chose reform and we chose to confront the situation,” Kataeb bloc MP Sami Gemayel tweeted after the session.
Separately, the cabinet approved a request from the interior ministry on paying the dues of the Lavajet company, which is in charge of collecting garbage in Tripoli and al-Beddawi, for a 6-month period. The dues will be paid from the Independent Municipal Fund, according to Jreij.
The cabinet also adopted the appointment of Sarkis Khoury as director general of the antiquities department and approved requests from some ministries on accepting grants offered by foreign governments and institutions.
Meanwhile, Salam reiterated during the session “his call for electing a president, given the presidential post's importance for the regularity of the work of institutions,” hoping the election “will happen in early 2015.”
He also hoped the servicemen held hostage by al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State will be released “as soon as possible.”
Y.R.
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