Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea stressed Friday that Zahle’s cement plant draft law will not pass, calling on the municipality to hold an urgent meeting to reconsider its approval to the project.
During a press conference held in Maarab, Geagea noted that the plant might pose a great risk to the city and its neighboring towns on the environmental level as well as in the health field, as it may increase the risk of cancer and pulmonary diseases.
“Our firm decision was motivated by the position of the residents of Zahle, who categorically rejected this law,” he stated, adding that the residents know how to protect their interests, and are aware of the harm that the plant may inflict.
In this regard, Geagea urged Industry Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan to annul the license he granted to the concerned company, pointing out that a legal team was formed to defend the rights of the owners of lands near the project’s location.
He added that the residents formed a committee as well in order to kick off popular movements against the project.