Lebanon (Enmaeya News) – December 29, 2025

The Litani River Authority (LRA) reported that recent heavy rainfall and rising flows in the Litani River and its tributaries, particularly the Ghzayel River, have led to a significant accumulation of waste, blocking wide sections of the river course.

The buildup constitutes a clear violation of public and private property and increases the risk of flooding in surrounding areas.

While river-cleaning is not legally mandated for the LRA, the authority, in coordination with relevant entities and in cooperation with the contractor appointed by the World Bank for the Council for Development and Reconstruction, has initiated emergency works to remove waste and clean the riverbed, aiming to prevent imminent dangers.

The LRA called on municipalities to fulfill their legal duties within their jurisdictions, particularly in preventing illegal dumping into riverbeds and taking necessary deterrent measures against violators.

The authority emphasized that decentralization and municipal empowerment extend beyond fee collection to include responsibility for protecting citizens and public and private property.

The statement also noted that the authority is documenting the names of individuals and entities responsible for dumping waste into the Litani and Ghzayel rivers, in preparation for appropriate legal action.