In the aftermath of the war, while the Lebanese people attempt to recover from their wounds, politicians continue to struggle to come to an agreement that could promote national unity. On October 25, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Nabih Berri called on all parties to meet on October 30 and start consultations on how to resolve the current crisis. Consultations will focu s on 2 major issues: a government of national unity and a new electoral law.
On the economic level, the situation remains quite serious. Industries, trades, and businesses affected by the war are struggling to rebuild in order to recover what was lost. While unemployment rates are on the increase, for many Lebanese, making both ends meet is a major challenge, with children to enroll in schools, repair damaged houses, refurnish and refurbish apartments and cupboards when winter has announced itself much earlier this year.
With the first torrential rains, there is a growing concern regarding mines and cluster bombs left behind by the Israeli army. These may move and make an already dangerous situation, much worse. Farmers, especially those who grow olives in the south of Lebanon have lost their good harvest this year, unable to reach their olive fields due to the cluster bombs. Latest estimates indicate that to date, 22 persons were killed, 75 injured and 15 permanently disabled by land mines and cluster bombs.
MECC/ACT Activities
During the month of October and with the end of the crisis phase of the ACT Appeal by the end of September, the MECC/ICNDR/ACT team has launched the post-crisis phase, continuing its relief, water/sanitation activities and preparing for psycho-social intervention.
1-Relief Work has included the following:
In Beirut and Mount Lebanon the distribution of food and non-food items is still continuing with the delivery of 400 food rations and 400 parcels of cleaning supplies to 400 families..
In North Lebanon, the distribution of food rations and cleaning supplies donated by the DCA (Dan Church Aid) ended on September 30 with the distribution of 2,000 food and non-food rations. But a request for 500 food rations and cleaning supplies is being now reported.
In the Beqa, the distribution has continued and ended with the supply of 391 food rations and 391 cleaning supplies delivered in October to 391 families.
In South 1 (including districts of Saida, East Saida, Tyre, Jezzine and Nabatieh) 200 blankets, 1,700 food rations were distributed to 1,700 families as well as 400 heaters to 400 families.
· In South 2 (including districts of Bint Jbeil, Marjeyoun, Hasbaya previously known as the security zone) 613 food rations were distributed.
2- Water/Sanitation Work:
The following activities were carried out by the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) team.
· In South 1 the NCA team has delivered 5,970 hygiene kits to 5,970 families located in different villages. In addition, 4 showers and 4 toilet s were constructed, a small 7 KVA generator and another 3 (400 KVA) were provided to Kharaybeh, Zawtar, and Qussaytbeh. 4,000 liters of Diesel delivered, and 2 water pumps installed.
· In South 2: 413 hygiene kits were distributed to 413 families locate d in different villages, in addition to water trucking in 6 villages, filtration of water in 2 villages, and the supply of water pumps in 1 village.
The people of Lebanon need the support of all and at all levels, to be able to face the difficult months ahead.
Middle East Council of Churches Office of International Ecumenical Relations P.O. Box 5376, Beirut, Lebanon
Guirgis Ibrahim Saleh, General Secretary
mecc@cyberia.net.lb or guirgissaleh@cyberia.net.lb
+961-1-353-938 http://www.mec-churches.org/