Majdel Aanjar, Beqaa, is home to around 25,500 Lebanese residents and 32,000 refugees. The significant presence of refugees has long strained the municipality’s ability to meet the town’s basic water needs, which was further exacerbated by the ongoing electricity and fuel crises. The situation has forced residents to purchase additional trucked-in water and has contributed to growing intercommunal tensions. In response, USAID’s Community Support Program (CSP) completed the installation of solar photovoltaic modules to upgrade the town’s water pumping system, which was successfully tested and has been operating for 8 to 9 hours per day since August 23, 2022. By the first week of September, CSP will finalize the civil and rehabilitation works to the chlorination room and install the flowmeter. By ensuring a continuous source of energy to the water pump, this activity is expected to reduce tensions by enhancing access to water for around 19,000 beneficiaries while decreasing the associated costs on residents, the municipality, and the Beqaa Water Establishment.

“This intervention by USAID’s CSP has provided stable access to water for our community, which will reduce the burdens on both the Lebanese and refugees residing in the area,” stated Saeed Yassine, Mayor of Majdel Aanjar.