The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of the Republic of Korea have officially inaugurated the fully rehabilitated Bekaa regional Civil Defense Centre in Zahle, marking a significant step in enhancing emergency preparedness and crisis response capacities in the Bekaa region.
The rehabilitation project, funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea, and implemented by UN-Habitat in partnership with the Lebanese Civil Defense and the Zahle Municipality, included the full renovation of the Centre’s facilities, the provision of firefighting and rescue equipment, and the upgrading of training spaces to better serve personnel and volunteers.
Attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Director General of the Lebanese Civil Defence, OiC Head of UN-Habitat Lebanon Country Programme, and the Mayor of Zahle, The inauguration ceremony included a tour of the Centre, presentations highlighting the project’s objectives and achievements, and discussions on the strengthened capacities of Civil Defense teams to protect communities and respond effectively to emergencies.
“Building on our previous support to Zahle through solar energy projects, our partnership with UN-Habitat to renovate the Civil Defense Centre and provide modern firefighting equipment strengthens the capacity of first responders to protect the community effectively” said Mr. Geon Gyusuk, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Lebanon. “This initiative is an investment in the safety, resilience, and well-being of Zahle’s residents. We remain committed to supporting Lebanon on its path toward sustainable development, security, and prosperity” he added.
“This initiative is not limited to technical and logistical support, but also reflects the international community’s confidence in the mission of Civil Defense and its pivotal role in protecting lives and property, as well as strengthening citizens’ resilience in the face of risks” said General Imad Khreich, Director General of the Lebanese Civil Defence. “What we witness today in the upgrading of these two centers constitutes a key milestone within a shared vision to achieve sustainable urban development in Zahle and its surroundings.”
“Amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic and financial crisis, public institutions - including the Civil Defense - have faced severe challenges in maintaining essential services” said Mr. Hiroshi Takabayashi, Officer in Charge, Head of UN-Habitat Lebanon Country Programme. “By rehabilitating and equipping the Zahle Civil Defense Centre, and with the generous support of the Government of Korea, we are strengthening local response capacities, enhancing community safety, and building resilience for the future” he added.
In addition to the Civil Defense rehabilitation, the delegation also visited the Zahle Municipality and key renewable energy installations at the Madina Sinae’ya Borehole and Tal Chiha Hospital solar systems, also implemented by UN-Habitat with the generous funding of the Government of Korea, reflecting UN-Habitat’s broader focus on sustainable urban services and infrastructure in the Bekaa region.
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