Kataeb Lawmaker Selim Sayegh held a press conference addressing the issue of hazardous chemicals present at the Zouk Thermal Power Plant.

He reminded attendees that on June 4th, he sent a letter to caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, urging immediate intervention to expedite the transfer of these materials.

"Mikati responded on June 5th through Cabinet Secretary-General Judge Mahmoud Makieh, who forwarded the relevant correspondence regarding the transfer. Some materials, such as trisodium phosphate and disodium trioxosilicate, were deemed non-hazardous, while others, like hydrochloric acid, were classified as dangerous. Several ministries were tasked with the transfer process," Sayegh said.

"I reiterated the necessity of transferring these materials from the Zouk Thermal Power Plant. The Prime Minister had assigned the Ministries of Energy and Water, Environment, Finance, and the National Council for Scientific Research to handle the export or proper disposal of the materials detailed in the Intelligence Division’s report," he added.

"The lack of coordination and cooperation among the ministers indicated an unacceptable shirking of responsibilities. The Ministry of Environment had requested an export document for these chemical wastes from the Ministry of Energy on October 20th for proper environmental handling, in compliance with the 'Basel Convention'. The same letter stated that the Electricité du Liban should take all necessary measures to dispose of these materials, as Lebanon lacks the infrastructure to handle such hazardous waste environmentally," Sayegh explained.

"Brigadier General and Head of the Intelligence Division, Khaled Hamoud's correspondence dated October 30, 2023 included an appeal to the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation regarding the dire conditions of storing sodium hydroxide, noting rainwater infiltration into the warehouse and leakage of some materials from their containers," he went on saying.

"Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission's report dated December 4, 2023, warned of the dangers of improperly storing hydrogen gas cylinders, as this gas is highly explosive if exposed to any spark from electrical friction or heat," he said.

"The security situation at the plant is alarming, as anyone can enter and steal quantities of these hazardous materials, which have dual-use capabilities. Therefore, we urge the relevant authorities to guard these materials until they are transferred," Sayegh emphasized.

He argued that "the disclosure of these correspondences and reports confirms what was already known: a vicious cycle dominated the scene, with ministries and departments mired in administrative routine, delays, negligence, and perhaps even complicity, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in an environmental crime that could turn into a catastrophe affecting everything in its path."

Sayegh thanked the Prime Minister for his swift response to his letter, which considers see as a positive sign.

"His response confirmed that my letter had been referred to the Secretary-General of the Supreme Defense Council with the Prime Minister's instructions to expedite the transfer of hazardous materials," he indicated.

He concluded by requesting the Supreme Defense Council, through Mikati, to resolve the issue before disaster strikes, emphasizing his role as a public representative and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of citizens, especially in Keserwan and Ftouh region.