MP Salim Sayegh on Saturday welcomed a new government decision aimed at safeguarding the Chabrouh Dam, one of Mount Lebanon’s key water reservoirs, after years of what he described as unchecked violations.

In a post on social media platform X, Sayegh announced that “the violation of the Chabrouh Dam has come to an end,” and thanked Energy and Water Minister Joe Al-Sadde for what he called a “crucial” step in preserving water security.

The minister’s directive prohibits all private water-related activities within the dam’s protected zone — a long-standing point of concern for environmental advocates, who have warned that recreational use and mismanagement could jeopardize the reservoir’s integrity. The new measure is aimed at preventing contamination of the drinking water sourced from the dam, which serves  residents in Keserwan-Ftouh, Metn, and Beirut.

Sayegh said the move not only protects the reservoir but also exposes the shortcomings of previous officials who failed to implement necessary safeguards.

The Chabrouh Dam, located near the village of Faraya in Mount Lebanon, plays a vital role in Lebanon’s strained water infrastructure. Environmental groups and local residents have repeatedly raised concerns about unregulated swimming, boating, and other activities that pose a risk to the quality of the dam’s water.