MP Elias Hankache reiterated the Kataeb party's utter rejection of the high-voltage power lines project in Mansourieh, voicing full support to the area's residents who have been protesting against it over the past few years.

Speaking to the Kataeb website, Hankache condemned the "use of force" stipulated in the Energy Ministry's plan to force the installation of power lines, adding that security forces are supposed to protect people, not confront them.

Hankache renewed his stance regarding the hazards that this project entails, noting that the health and safety of around 40,000 residents are at stake given the dangers that electric magnetism poses.

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.

The lawmaker said that the recent meeting held with Energy Minister Nada Boustani failed to reach a common ground, adding that a delegation of experts, which visited Mansourieh lately, made it clear that installing the power lines underground would drive residents in other areas to demand the same.

"No one wants to obstruct the electricity plan, but we refuse to install the high-voltage power lines as planned. We insist on executing this project in a scientific way that protects the people's health."

Hankache stressed full support to the residents if they opt for escalation to make their voice be heard, blasting the silence of the relevant ministerial committee which includes representatives of political parties that had staunchly opposed to the project before the elections.