LEBANON - Environmental organization Terre Liban has called on Lebanese authorities to conduct an urgent inspection of ongoing construction works at the estuary of the Madfoun River, raising concerns over possible non-compliance with environmental and land-use regulations.
In a statement, the organization said it has been monitoring activities at the site, where the seasonal river meets the Mediterranean Sea near a public beach. T
erre Liban described the area as environmentally sensitive and noted that while most of the works appear to be taking place on privately owned land, several aspects of the project warrant official review.
The organization said its concerns relate to construction and landfilling near the public maritime domain, the development of a road beneath the public road and the historic railway bridge, and the construction of retaining walls adjacent to the public river domain.
Terre Liban said the issues should be assessed by the relevant authorities to determine whether the ongoing works comply with applicable laws and regulations.
The group also warned that activities affecting environmentally sensitive areas and public coastal spaces could have broader implications for Lebanon's natural heritage and public access to beaches and waterways. It stressed the importance of ensuring that environmental and planning laws are applied consistently and equally.
Terre Liban urged the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Energy and Water, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and the Internal Security Forces to carry out a field inspection of the site.
It called on the authorities to verify the legality of the works, determine whether any violations have occurred, and take the legal measures required under Lebanese law if non-compliance is established, including halting unauthorized activities and restoring the site where legally mandated.
