Former Economy Minister Alain Hakim on Friday stressed that the health hazards of high-voltage power lines are not just possibilities, deeming the danger as a fact would not only affect Mansourieh, but also the surrounding areas.

“Global reports have proven the danger that these power lines posed to the health of the people and the environment,” Hakim said during a press conference held by the residents of Mansourieh, Beit Meri, Ain Najem, Ain Saadeh and other Metn villages affected by the project.

"The state is responsible of the protection of its citizens. Why are there laws prohibiting smoking in public areas while there is a total carelessness of the issue of power lines that entails a big threat to public safety?” Hakim asked.