The 2019 Lebanese financial and economic collapse has depleted municipal and regional water establishments capabilities to provide fuel-based back-up electricity solutions for essential service provision such as water. In response, since 2020, USAID’s Community Support Program (CSP) has provided needy municipalities across vulnerable villages in Lebanon with solar energy for water solutions to ensure adequate water pumping to local residents. USAID has developed the capacity of municipalities and regional water establishments to sustain these solutions through training on safe operation and maintenance, cleaning of the solar panels, and best practices in water management.

On January 18, 2024, CSP completed its operation and maintenance training to 15 workers from the Beqaa Water Establishment and the municipalities of Bechwat, Soultan Yaaqoub, and Majdel Anjar. In addition to the training, CSP provided the municipalities with electro-mechanical sweepers to periodically clean the installed solar panels to prolong their life and enhance their efficiency. The three municipalities are part of a larger pool of 18 municipalities that have benefited from CSP’s assistance to provide water to local residents through clean energy solutions, thus improving the quantity and quality of water provided to more than 335,544 residents.

“These trainings have not only expanded our knowledge but also fortified our ability to sustain and enhance the long-term impact of the project. Acquiring new expertise enables us to independently manage our solar farm, ensuring cost-saving, operational efficiency, and a secure environment—prioritizing both sustainability and the well-being of our team”, said Tannous Keyrouz, Head of Bechwat Agricultural Cooperative.