Beirut: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport on Friday announced in a statement that it had "commenced, as of 3:00 a.m., and with the entry into force of the cessation of hostilities and authorization for field intervention by the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), wide-scale emergency operations to reopen roads and restore connectivity across vital corridors, in a race against time to ensure public safety and resume economic activity."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Ministry added that, "from the very first moments, its technical teams and machinery were deployed across the affected areas, in coordination with military and security apparatuses and local authorities, to remove obstacles and debris, address the most hazardous points, and reactivate the main routes linking villages and towns to one another and to essential service centers."
The operations commenced at the northern entrance to the city of Tyre, where significant infrastructure projects were undertaken. The Al-Qasmiyeh International Bridge has been fully reopened with the help of the Lebanese Army, and repairs included backfilling, treating potholes, and ensuring safety standards, effectively restoring a critical connection between South Lebanon and other regions. Additionally, an extra lane was opened on the Borj Rahhal highway to improve traffic flow towards Tyre.
In the southern villages and areas, specialized teams have executed simultaneous operations across various locations. Roads in Nabatieh were reopened, while debris removal and road rehabilitation took place in Kfartibnit, Touline, Sawaneh, Maaroub, Arzoun, Shehour, Srifa, Zrariyeh, Borj El-Shamali, and Tyre. These efforts focused on ensuring access to essential facilities such as the Tebnine Governmental Hospital and internal roads in Al-Housh within Tyre.
These interventions focus on reconnecting the most severely affected areas, ensuring access to hospitals and essential services. Alongside these emergency measures, the Ministry is drafting a comprehensive road infrastructure rehabilitation plan. This plan encompasses immediate interventions, temporary solutions, and reconstruction efforts, aiming to rebuild damaged bridges with modern engineering standards prioritizing safety and sustainability.
The Ministry affirmed its commitment to balancing the speed of implementation with adherence to legal procedures, ensuring efficient management of public funds. It urged citizens to exercise caution on roads under rehabilitation and adhere to safety guidelines until the completion of the works. The Ministry reiterated that restoring road connectivity is a national priority and pledged to mobilize resources to maintain mobility and services across Lebanon.