Latest news with #BeirutPort
LBCI
3 days ago
- General
- LBCI
Civil Defense analyzes grain at Beirut Port silos amid ongoing safety concerns
Lebanon's Civil Defense announced it has conducted a comprehensive survey and analysis of grain stored at the Beirut Port silos, following directives from Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar and under the supervision of Acting Director General Brigadier General Nabil Farah. The mission was carried out by the Civil Defense's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (CBRN) unit and its technical team, upon request from the National Council for Scientific Research. The operation comes amid persistent concerns over the safety of the grain silos, which were damaged in the 2020 Beirut Port explosion and have since become a symbol of the disaster. Samples were collected from three separate sites within the wheat silos and sent to specialized laboratories for testing and analysis. The Civil Defense emphasized its continued commitment to national and humanitarian responsibilities, reaffirming efforts to ensure public safety and prevent any potential health or environmental risks stemming from the deteriorating grain storage conditions.
LBCI
19-05-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Master plan for Beirut Port: Grain silos' fate uncertain as reconstruction talks move forward
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi The Beirut Port Authority is moving forward with plans to expand its public-private partnership model, proposing a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement to manage the unloading and storage of vehicles at the port. The proposal is part of a broader master plan developed in cooperation with French experts to rehabilitate the port, which was heavily damaged in the 2020 explosion. Private sector collaboration is not new for the Beirut Port, which has already contracted international companies to operate the container terminal and manage cargo storage under the supervision of the temporary port management committee. The new BOT model would allow a private entity to build and operate the vehicle unloading facility for a set period before transferring control back to the state. The master plan is expected to be funded entirely by port revenues, which reached $150 million in 2024, up sharply from just $5 million in 2021 following the blast. The proposal also reserves a 25,000-square-meter plot for potential reconstruction of the grain silos, pending a final decision by the Ministries of Economy and Public Works. Economy Minister Amer Bisat confirmed that no decision has been made regarding whether the public or private sector would manage the silos. The ministry awaits the completion of a feasibility study that will determine the silos' location, size, and cost. In the short term, concerns over the deteriorating condition of the damaged silos persist. Fermented wheat inside the structure continues to emit hazardous fumes, creating an urgent environmental and public health risk. The Environment Ministry is awaiting the findings of a technical committee, while the Culture Minister remains in contact with families of port explosion victims, who view the silos as a site of profound symbolic value. The current government hopes to resolve the issue where its predecessor failed.
LBCI
08-05-2025
- LBCI
Lebanon's state takes action: Illegal kiosks at Beirut Port removed after 11 years of violations
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi An abnormal scene persisted for 11 years at Gate 14 of the Beirut Port, where 250 random kiosks illegally occupied public property, tampered with water lines, and stole electricity from the port's grid to resell it illicitly. The area became a hub for banned substances, drug activity, prostitution networks, and frequent clashes—effectively, a security hotspot at one of the main entrances to the port. However, that chapter is now closed. With the start of a new political term, authorities have lifted the protection long enjoyed by those behind the violations, regardless of their political or sectarian affiliations. Why were these kiosks installed? Initially installed as offices for freight companies, customs clearance agents, and cafés, the kiosks were set up randomly with no licenses or official contracts. They operated without ever paying rent to the state, enabled by staff from the port's previous administration who allegedly accepted illegal payments for their personal gain. After years of inaction, the General Directorate of State Security finally intervened. The agency dismantled all 250 illegal kiosks following a detailed report by Major Joseph Al-Naddaf, head of the State Security office at the port. The report documented the scale of the violations and was submitted to the competent judiciary and the Financial Public Prosecution, in coordination with the port administration. This cleanup is expected to generate over $200,000 annually for the state treasury by regulating the use of the area. Sixty legally contracted kiosks will be relocated to a designated area away from the port's main entrance, allowing for organized and lawful operation. Dismantling this long-standing hub of violations marks a significant step in reclaiming public property. Will this matter extend to illegal occupations along Lebanon's coastal, river, and communal lands?
LBCI
08-03-2025
- General
- LBCI
Behind the headlines: The power of female coworker friendships in LBCI's newsroom on International Women's Day
Women have been an essential part of Lebanese society for years, playing key roles in various fields—from education and finance to the media and the Lebanese army. In these sectors, the power of female friendships has helped women navigate challenges and share opportunities. In the media, women journalists have led coverage of many crises in Lebanon. From the Lebanese Civil War to the Beirut Port explosion and recent wars in southern Lebanon, female journalists earned reputations as courageous reporters, covering events from 'ground zero.' Beyond their bravery, they transformed newsroom culture through mentorship, sharing contacts, and standing against bias, redefining their roles in a male-dominated field. Behind the camera, women lead the reporting of the news. They work long hours covering global events, from key elections to wars in various regions. Female Lebanese website editors and writers have led reporting on the Gaza war and recent conflict in Lebanon, detailing intense Israeli shelling that targeted Beirut, the South, and other parts of the country. Despite everything, they remain strong, working together to convey the news, manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and nurture coworker friendships. In commenting on their experiences, especially through the lens of female coworker relationships, many emphasized how these bonds have been essential to their workflow in the LBCI newsroom on International Women's Day. Mariella Succar, an English news website editor at LBCI, noted that friendships with female colleagues among news editors create a quiet refuge in the fast-paced world of journalism — a bond built on understanding, empathy, and shared resilience. In the constant rhythm of deadlines and breaking news, she stated that these connections become a steady source of comfort, offering both a listening ear and encouragement to keep going. 'They help ease the weight of stress and remind us that no story is written alone,' she said. 'What I value most in female coworkers and mentors is the power of solidarity, patience, and mutual respect. In the newsroom, where every word matters, collaboration, honesty, and kindness are essential to creating an environment where ideas are exchanged freely and every voice is heard,' she added. 'When these values are present, the newsroom becomes more than just a workplace — it transforms into a space where stories are told with passion, challenges are faced together, and both individual and collective success can truly flourish.' Marie Ange Nawchi, a news editor and writer in the Arabic website department at LBCI, shared her thoughts: 'Whenever there is a problem at work, we, as women, are better able to understand each other. If someone is sick, we tend to be more empathetic toward them than our male colleagues might be.' 'During our breaks, we often discuss topics that are more relatable to women. Women's kindness and care in the workplace create a sense of relief and comfort.' She added: 'There is a sense of sympathy among us, but also a healthy competition. We value these qualities in our colleagues because they help us grow professionally. We cherish and encourage one another.' Yasmine Jaroudi, translator and English news website editor at LBCI, expressed that friendships with female colleagues provide a strong support system, making stressful workdays more manageable. She continued by saying: 'Whether it's sharing a quick chat over coffee or venting about challenges, these connections create a sense of companionship that helps balance work and personal life. I've found that having trusted female colleagues means always having someone who understands workplace pressures and offers encouragement when needed.' 'The qualities I value most in female coworkers and mentors are helpfulness, cooperation, and assistance. I deeply appreciate those who uplift others, provide constructive feedback, and lead by example. I've been lucky to work with women who are not just colleagues but also role models, showing me how to navigate challenges with grace and determination.' The power of female coworker friendships in the LBCI newsrooms highlights personal bonds and the professional strength they provide. These connections are a reminder that even under high pressure, solidarity, empathy, and mutual support are just as vital as the reported stories. On this International Women's Day, we celebrate the women who continue to redefine the newsroom, proving that behind every headline is a team united by shared dedication.
