UNIFIL inaugurates essential infrastructure improvement projects in southern Lebanon

•  These initiatives, led by Spanish blue helmets, reinforce the commitment to sustainable development and institutional cooperation

Spanish UNIFIL blue helmets have inaugurated three projects aimed at improving essential infrastructure in towns in southern Lebanon.

Specifically, the projects that have been inaugurated are the supply of materials for the construction of a clean water tank at the government hospital in the town of Meis el Jabal; the installation of a solar energy system at the school in Kleyaa; and the implementation of solar panels at the Town Hall in Marjayoun.

Through this cooperation with the population, the commitment to sustainable development is reaffirmed, while ties with local authorities are strengthened

These initiatives guarantee vital resources, such as water for healthcare or electricity in educational centres, and contribute to energy efficiency, service continuity and cost reduction.

The handover ceremonies were attended by local authorities and institutional representatives, among them,  Hussein Yassine, director of the government hospital in the town of Meis el Jabal; Catherine Saadeh, education delegate in Marjayoun; the mayor of Kleyaa, Hanna Daher; and Sary Golmiya, mayor of Marjayoun, together with members of their municipal corporations. On behalf of UNIFIL, and representing General Ricardo Esteban Cabrejos, head of the Eastern Sector and the XLIII Lebanon Brigade (BRILIB), the delivery was made by Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Enmanuele Pessenda García, head of the Spanish Battalion of UNIFIL.

General Esteban has assured that "these projects are a tangible demonstration of UNIFIL's commitment to the well-being of communities in southern Lebanon. Improving access to drinking water, incorporating solar energy in educational centres and modernising municipal facilities are concrete steps towards sustainable development that strengthen cooperation between our forces and local authorities. We will continue to work together to build a more secure and prosperous future for all."

BRILIB XLIII: Spain in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

The Spanish Armed Forces deployed to Lebanon in September 2006. The bulk of the contingent in Operation Libre Hidalgo is stationed at the Miguel de Cervantes base, near the town of Marjayoun, where the headquarters of the eastern sector, led by Spain, is located. There, as part of the 43rd Lebanon Brigade (BRILIB XLIII), commanded by Brigadier General Ricardo Esteban Cabrejos, more than 650 Spanish military personnel are deployed in UNIFIL, with the aim of ensuring compliance with United Nations Resolution 1701, in a very unstable security situation, despite the peace agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon last November. In addition, and to complete Spain's contribution, there are Spanish troops at UNIFIL headquarters in Naquora.