Kataeb MP Elias Hankache on Sunday took part in a sit-in staged by the residents of Mansourieh, Ain Saade, Beit Mery and surrounding Metn villages to protest the controversial high-voltage power lines project.

“We have been provoked by the use of force stipulated in the government's power plan to ensure the installation of the controversial high-voltage power lines in Mansourieh,” Hankache told LBCI.

Residents condemned the insistence on going on with the controversial project, which is part of the new power plan put forth by the Energy Ministry despite its health hazards, reiterating their demand to install the lines underground.

The committee also deemed it as shameful to stipulate the use of force against residents should they try to disrupt the installation works.

Residents called for adhering to international standards and cautionary measures when implementing the project the project, saying that lines must be kept at least 220 meters away from residential areas and schools.

The residents pledged to defend their health safety and that of their children, affirming that their stance is just.

Protests have been staged in the area since 2011 to denounce plans for high-voltage power lines which, according to subsequent energy ministers, are needed to tackle the country’s electricity crisis as the project aims to connect a power plant in Mkalles to one in Bsalim.