Minister of Transportation Ali Hamie held a meeting with the President of the Economy Department in the French Embassy, Francois De Ricoflis, to discuss Lebanon’s transport.
During the meeting, Ali Hamie reiterated his request from the French Ambassador to provide busses for the Lebanese Government as a grant to Lebanon.
He emphasized the importance of the transport sector as it will help activate Lebanon’s economy as lots of people are losing the ability to go to their jobs.
Hamie and De Ricolfis also discussed the rebuilding of the Beirut Port, which the minister described as similarly crucial to improving Lebanon’s economy.
Hamie explained that the Beirut port acts as a connection between the east and the west, and it will attract investors, but it needs intensive studying and planning.
He highlighted the need for a new administrative system for the port, in order to be able to draft a bill for both the parliament and the cabinet.
At last, the minister talked about Beirut’s airport, making a point of the importance of increasing its capacity.
He also said that he has a full plan for the cargo area in the airport, which he will reveal soon “with full clarity and honesty.”
De Ricolfis assured that France’s support towards Lebanon is genuine and that any international help for Lebanon will have to go through the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He added that he will contact the French Ambassador regarding the busses the Aeroport De Paris, mentioning that there are French companies ready to help regarding the Beirut Port management.
Lebanon’s Public Transport sector has been facing a lot of issues since the beginning of the fuel crisis, with bus fees going from 1,000 LBP to 5,000 LBP.
Buses were the best option for transport for many people but now they are only expected to increase their fare prices more, as fuel prices keep increasing.
Other bus companies have also been affected. Last month, Transport Estephan shut its services down due to the lack of fuel. The company was an important link between Beirut and the North.
Meanwhile, taxis have become inaccessible for some people, as drivers are taking between 15,000 LBP to 20,000 LBP depending on the trip. This fare used to be 2,000 LBP.
Students and workers will be heavily affected, as their transportation will cost them 200,000 LBP if they’re lucky. Many don’t have access to cheaper transportation options.
