A handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on Tuesday between former Minister Michel Najjar and the new Minister Ali Hamieh.

Najjar said: “It is an honor for me to be within Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s team, hoping that we have accomplished some achievements during that period.”

Najjar added: “It is difficult to convince the general public about our achievements amid these tough circumstances the country is going through, so I will not talk about what we have done, and I will leave that to history, and I can say that we did not plunder the public money, and this is one of our main achievements.”

In turn, the new Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, confirmed that he overviewed the projects in the pipeline, and said: “I am proud to continue from where Minister Michel Najjar has stopped. My main motto is cooperating and joining efforts.”

Hamieh pointed out that “the Lebanese state has sufficient laws to run the state efficiently, but these laws require implementation. Addressing the maritime property issue is also vital.”

He added: “Implementing the ration card as soon as possible is an urgent need, and should be accompanied with the lifting of subsidies. The transport sector is also is essential, and the utmost importance must be given to this sector, mainly the railway.”