Addressing Water Access Challenges in Marginalized Communities
In Beb El Tebbeneh, Malloule, Mankoubin and Wadi Nahle water access has been a significant challenge for many residents. In some areas, the situation is so dire that households experience complete water shortages. This situation has often sparked roadblocks and confrontations, deepening existing sectarian tensions. Meanwhile those who do have access to water often face exorbitant costs, adding to the daily struggles of securing this essential resource.
Unfortunately, the citizens of Beb El Tebbeneh, Malloule, Makoubin and Wadi Nahle are individuals with the lowest incomes who face the most hardship, especially in this economic stratum, struggling to cover their basic needs and water is one of them. Moreover, the high price of water worsens the difficulties for local communities, highlighting an urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the water crisis in the region. For years, these neighborhoods have remained largely neglected leaving residents to rely on inconsistent or informal alternatives to secure basic services. This lack of attention has deepened feelings of marginalization and widened socio-economic disparities, making initiatives like this one essential to improving living conditions and strengthening community resilience.
The Hurdles of Fuel Reliance for Water
Recognizing the urgency of this matter, local Sheikhs organized a significant well project. This initiative was a much-needed step toward alleviating the water crisis, but the wells’ reliance on fuel-powered generators posed another challenge. The financial strain of maintaining these generators, amid Lebanon’s ongoing fuel shortages and skyrocketing costs, meant the solution was far from sustainable.
Supporting Communities Through Solar-Powered Water Access
To add to the efforts in meeting the needs of the community, the youth of MARCH from Jabal Mohsen, Beb El Tebbeneh, Mallouleh, Mankoubin and Wadi Nahle decided to find solutions in collaboration with the Sheikhs.
In response, the youth, with the help of MARCH, installed a total of 445 solar panels to power 18 water wells to generate a water distribution system for local wells installed previously by the local Sheikhs. This project directly addressed a critical need in the community and required the cooperation of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as well. The youth of Jabal Mohsen, Beb El Tebbeneh, Mallouleh, Mankoubin and Wadi Nahle alongside the Lebanese Army, joined efforts to install and maintain solar panels, ensuring a sustainable source of water for local households. In total, the project covered 10 wells in Beb El Tebbeneh, 6 in Al-Mankoubin, 1 in Upper Mallouleh, and 1 in Lower Malloule.
The project initially began in Beb El Tebbeneh, before expanding to Al-Mankoubin and later to both Lower and Upper Mallouleh. The expansion aimed to reach neighborhoods where access to clean water remained most limited. Mallouleh, in particular, is among the areas with the lowest socio-economic conditions in Tripoli, where many families live in informal housing and face significant infrastructure challenges. Expanding the initiative to Mallouleh reflected a commitment to inclusion and to improving daily life for residents in some of Tripoli’s most marginalized areas.
These solar systems now powers 18 water wells, providing a sustainable solution for water distribution. The impact of this initiative is substantial, with nearly 4,043 households benefiting from the improved water supply.
Empowering Communities Through Solar Water Projects
Through the installation of 445 solar panels, 18 wells can now operate independently of traditional generators. With just three hours of sunlight each day, the tanks of these wells can be adequately filled, ensuring reliable water distribution to the community. This sustainable system now provides around-the-clock access to clean water for 4,043 housing units in total, directly improving the daily lives of residents. As a result, roadblocks and tensions that once emerged due to water shortages have significantly decreased. Moreover, the project’s collaborative approach has strengthened relationships with local communities, as neighborhood committees and residents have developed greater trust in MARCH and its ongoing commitment to addressing shared challenges.
The solar panel project has had a transformative impact on both communities. By facilitating access to water, improving daily life, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of this cooperation. More importantly, it allowed the youth to interact in positive ways, breaking down stereotypes and challenging entrenched prejudices.
This collaborative effort highlights the power of community involvement and partnership in solving critical resource challenges. Moreover, the joint efforts of the youth from Jabal Mohsen, Beb El Tebbeneh, Mallouleh, Wadi Nahle and Mankoubin have led to meaningful progress in reducing animosity and fostering unity through identifying a shared need and addressing a common challenge.
