MP Elias Hankach voiced strong criticism of the ongoing waste management crisis in Lebanon, emphasizing that the solutions to resolve the issue are well-known but hindered by corruption and deception.

In an interview via Voice of Lebanon radio station, Hankach outlined a clear path to resolving the waste management problem, starting with waste sorting at the source in local areas, followed by proper treatment. He also stressed that waste remnants should be disposed of far from residential areas and groundwater sources to avoid environmental contamination.

"The Minister of the Environment, who is responsible, must find the solutions," he said, adding that the issue has been marred by insincere intent, fraud, and manipulation. He expressed frustration with the lack of genuine effort to tackle the crisis, accusing those in charge of engaging in deception rather than seeking real solutions.

One of the critical issues Hankach highlighted was the fire that broke out at the Burj Hammoud landfill a few days ago, stating that there is clear evidence, including several videos, showing the return of scavengers to the landfill, which could lead to another fire. According to Hankach, the situation is being mismanaged, and those responsible for the fire need to be held accountable.

"As a party, we tried to stop this environmental crime by protesting at the landfill," Hankach said, referring to efforts by Kataeb Party youth to raise awareness and block further damage. However, he lamented that these efforts were met with resistance from political parties, MPs of the Metn region, and several municipalities, which ultimately led to public opinion turning against the protestors and the worsening of the waste situation. 

Hankach further recalled that the issue was brought before the judiciary, but even there, efforts to hold those responsible accountable were thwarted.

"Unfortunately, we encountered collusion between the judiciary, the government, and ministers who are directly benefiting from this issue," he said, reminding that he submitted a tax exemption law for residents living in areas impacted by the landfill in an attempt to alleviate the burden on those most affected by the crisis.

Hankach did not shy away from calling out what he described as mafia-like corruption within Lebanon's waste management system, accusing those responsible for the Burj Hammoud landfill of lying to the public by promising that the landfill would be operational for only four years and built to high standards.

"In Lebanon, what is temporary becomes permanent," he said, referring to the long-standing issue of temporary solutions becoming permanent fixtures, which fail to address the root of the crisis.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Hankach remains resolute that the solution to Lebanon’s waste crisis is straightforward, as he stressed the need to prevent scavengers from returning to the landfill and called for an alternative waste management solution. Additionally, Hankach urged the formation of a parliamentary inquiry or fact-finding committee to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the crisis.

"The Kataeb Party stands alongside the minister to find a permanent solution to the waste crisis, one that avoids environmental harm," he said, urging local authorities and MPs of the Metn region to cooperate on this matter.

In a scathing indictment, Hankach placed the blame for Lebanon's waste crisis on the Council for Development and Reconstruction, accusing it of orchestrating "the biggest organized theft in modern Lebanese history." He expressed frustration at the lack of accountability in the country, warning that "in the absence of justice and accountability, theft will remain unchecked."