Former Economy Minister, Alain Hakim, on Friday said that the high-voltage power lines project in Mansourieh implies a complete abandonment of the residents, stressing that the matter is purely environmental and health-related.

“The case is not a political one. It is a socio-environmental matter as people are afraid for their health and that of their children,” Hakim told Voice of Lebanon radio station.

“The government is basing the project on reports dating back to the 90s, and using the positive arguments in them in its favor," he stressed.

"We have called for the formation of an unbiased committee of experts from the American University and Saint Joseph University to assess the project and find a solution for this matter. Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected."