Beirut: Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salameh emphasized the necessity of collaboration between the state and civil society during the closing ceremony of the Mar Mikhael housing rehabilitation project. He highlighted the significant role of international support in Lebanon’s recovery from the August 4 explosion.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Minister Salameh underscored that Lebanon was not alone in its crisis, as international organizations and friendly nations promptly offered assistance following the explosion. The government, led by the Prime Minister, took responsibility for the negligence associated with the explosion and extended support to the families of the victims, addressing both physical and property damages.
Minister Salameh’s comments came as he presided over the Beirut Housing Rehabilitation Project’s closing ceremony, a project in partnership with UN-Habitat and UNESCO, supported by the Trust Fund. The event, held at Rmeil Park, was attended by prominent figures, including Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud and representatives from UN-Habitat, the World Bank, and UNESCO.
During his speech, Salameh revealed that the Ministry of Culture’s Directorate General of Antiquities had swiftly conducted a survey after the explosion, identifying 640 damaged historic buildings, with around 50 at imminent risk of collapse. He acknowledged the extensive cooperation from international entities, including UNESCO and the World Bank, which facilitated restoration efforts. The financial requirement for restoring archaeological buildings is estimated at $300 million, impacting cultural institutions across the country.
Salameh also noted recent developments, such as the transformation of the Mar Mikhael railway station into a cultural center. He emphasized the government’s commitment to compensating for the explosion’s negligence and the importance of preserving the wheat silos at the port as a testament to the tragedy.
Reflecting on the past five years, Salameh reiterated that Lebanon is not isolated, and the support from international partners signifies global concern for Lebanon’s crisis. He asserted that cooperation between the state and civil society is vital for recovery, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in overcoming setbacks.
Concluding his remarks, Salameh expressed gratitude to all international donors and partners, urging continued support for the restoration of numerous buildings still in need. He commended the cooperation between Beirut’s Governor, the municipality, the Ministry of Culture, and the Directorate General of Antiquities, hoping for sustained collaboration in the future.