Bethlehem/PNN /

Dr. Ahmed Abu Holi, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and head of the Refugee Affairs Department, announced today (Sunday) the initiation of a new package of projects targeting Palestinian refugee camps and communities in Lebanon.

Dr. Abu Holi explained that the projects aim to benefit the camps of Ain al-Hilweh, Dbayeh, Al-Jalil, Al-Baddawi, Mar Elias, and the communities of Al-Dawouq, Saeed Gawaash, and Al-Shabriha. He emphasized that the projects were allocated according to the needs expressed by the popular committees and residents of the camps.

He added that the projects include the development of electricity networks in the Safsaf and Amqa neighborhoods in Ain al-Hilweh camp, the rehabilitation and asphalting of the main road in the Sarot area that connects Ain al-Hilweh and Mieh Mieh camps, the renovation of well platforms and water purification in Mar Elias camp, and the replacement of a 400-megawatt electrical transformer that supplies electricity to three neighborhoods in Al-Baddawi camp. Additionally, solar-powered street lights and sports field lighting will be installed in Dbayeh camp, and a multi-purpose public canopy will be established in Al-Jalil camp. Maintenance of water networks and well pumps in the Dawouq, Saeed Gawaash, and Al-Shabriha communities will also be undertaken.

Dr. Abu Holi affirmed that these announced projects are part of the urgent response to the needs of refugees in Lebanese camps, aimed at alleviating their suffering and ensuring a decent living until their return to their homes from which they were displaced in 1948, in accordance with UN Resolution 194. He noted that some projects will commence after the completion of technical studies.

He further stated, “We will not abandon our refugee people in the camps and Palestinian communities in Lebanon. We will harness all the capabilities of the Refugee Affairs Department to address their issues and solve problems related to the electricity and water sectors, especially during the summer season when there is increased pressure and demand on electricity and water, often leading to disruptions in the electrical grids and water pumps.”

Dr. Abu Holi confirmed that the implementation of these projects is based on the directives of President Mahmoud Abbas, who attaches great importance to Palestinian camps in Lebanon in order to enhance their resilience in the face of challenges encountered by our refugee people in the camps.