In Beirut streets, gangs are exploring new treasures: the sewers’ covers, for they can sell them and make a few bucks in dollar. After that gangs have been arrested, the majority of main roads and highways in Beirut is now crawling with potholes, a serious matter that risks the life of drivers.

Indemnity against robbery requires a reliable funding source. Moreover, the process is costly, especially in the light of a vulnerable budget that doesn’t exceed forty billion pounds to the Ministry of Works, and the result remains as is.

Nevertheless, one provisional solution was brought to the table by the Engineer Ziad Abi Chaker, who substituted iron sewers for plastic ones. In this regard, Abi Chaker revealed to Sawt Beirut International’s reporter, Ghida Jbeily, that “the present solution will be temporarily implemented in order to avoid accidents.”

“Plastic sewers can tolerate cars, not trucks,” Abi Chaker warned. “It is made from waste, which proves that waste is a resource, even a priority. Regarding the cost, one iron sewer amounts to $300, while the price of a plastic sewer is $45,” he explained.

In search of new treasures, robbers are unfortunately out of luck and hopeless now. They will not find anything henceforth except plastic sewers that are not profitable. It is unfortunate to know that you steal to ensure your livelihood, but you should be aware that it kills people. To officials I say, your ongoing robbery is forever causing harm and starvation to people.

We hope to see such environmental initiatives being implemented in all Lebanese municipalities, and watch the country making progress and fulfilling international standards.