Metn residents protest high voltage power lines

The residents and students of Mansourieh, Ain Saade and Ain Najem rallied to protest against the decision to install high voltage power lines in the area, which caused heavy traffic.  

Wednesday morning, the Fouhoud Special Forces came to the scene to support the EDL (Electricity du Liban) to install the high voltage power lines, which triggered the ire of residents who took it to the street and boycott the road in an attempt to hamper the operation.  

MP Nadim Gemayel, former minister Salim al-Sayegh representing MP Sami Gemayel, Lebanese Forces member Eddi Abi Lamaa, the Ain Saade parish priest representing Bishop Boulos Matar and the Mukhtar of Ain Saade joined the protesters.  

The Fouhouf Special Forces withdrew from the area at 8:30 a.m. and trucks loaded with cables returned to the warehouses. As a token of appreciation, the students offered white roses to ISF members who were responsive to their demands.

The plan to install high voltage electrical lines in the Metn area seeks to connect a power plant in Mkalles to another in Bsallim.  

The controversial plan was fiercely opposed in 2005 by Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) MPs, but FPM Minister Jibran Bassil decided to go through with the plan in 2009 when he was tasked to lead the Energy Ministry.

Bassil argues that the plan does not pose any grave threat on the health of the area’s residents amid fear over potential risks of electromagnetic fields.