QRCS Raises Readiness of Water Purification Plant in "Arsal" Lebanon

QRCS

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is working to upgrade its water purification plant in Arsal, increasing potable water supply to 137 Syrian refugee camps, as well as schools and health centers in the area.

In a precautionary response to prevent cholera in Lebanon, QRCS, under an emergency plan to expand the services provided, water tanks were installed at the new camps, and jerry canes were distributed to families.

In a statement on Monday, QRCS said that this intervention is part of a charitable project aimed at improving health conditions among Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the host community, meeting their critical water and sanitation needs, and ensuring humanitarian standards and the right to clean water. Clean drinking water free from impurities and pollutants is delivered to about 55,000 Syrian beneficiaries at Arsal and Saadnayel camps on a daily basis. The capacity of the Arsal water plant has recently been doubled, with the daily production rate up from 40,000 liters of water to nearly 70,000 liters. Work is in progress to reach the plant's full capacity, in order to reach out to as many beneficiaries as possible.

The QRCS pointed out that the number of beneficiaries from the plant's services is up to 10,000 families, seven schools, and three health centers, which means reduced spread of water-borne diseases.

HE Lebanese Minister of Health Dr. Firass Abiad recently checked the water purification plant during his visit to Arsal. Dr. Abiad said the plant was constructed with a generous donation from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and run by QRCS.

The Minister indicated that the plant supplies 40,000 liters of clean drinking water and is under expansion to cover 137 camps instead of 87 to reduce the spread of cholera.

(QNA)