October 24th, 2018 ― Doha: A new project has been launched by Qatar Red Crescent Society's (QRCS) mission in Lebanon to provide clean drinking water for the Syrian refugee camps in Arsal, Beqaa Governorate.
The purpose of the three-month project is to address the problems facing both the refugee and host communities, by distributing potable water to 36,000 persons per day, or the total populations of 63 camps.
Coordinated with the local municipal administration, the overall budget of the project amounts to $176,546. A well-designed mechanism is adopted with camp supervisors to ensure the safe delivery of water and, consequently, minimize the risk of water-borne diseases.
Omar Katerji, head of QRCS's mission in Lebanon, described water projects as a top priority in QRCS's strategy for the coming years. "The Arsal water purification plant is a replication of another project in Saadnayel, a town of the Zahlé District," said Mr. Katerji. "We are planning to launch a third similar project in North Governorate".
Mohamed Abdel-Rahim, a Syrian refugee, commended QRCS's initiative to secure filtrated water. "This will save us the cost of purchasing water for our kids. Every week, we would spend $7 or more on water. God bless you! It is a great help for us".
Describing how her husband would look for clean water in the nearby water wells,
Aisha M. Hamra, said, "My husband is jobless, and we have two kids. Now, it is easier for us to get drinking water. Thanks to QRCS, we no more need to pay for water as we have been doing throughout our five years in Lebanon".
Khaled H. Raad thanked QRCS's mission for this project and said, "As refugees, we used to purchase water from water tankers. Unfortunately, it was not 100% safe. It was too risky for our kids, particularly the babies".
Hamda A. Haida lives at the Al-Salam camp in Arsal, together with her husband, two kids, and brothers-in-law, which means a high water bill. "Today, we have clean water for free, and my children are safe from potentially fatal diseases," she noted.
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About Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS)
Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is a humanitarian volunteering organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.
QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 190 National Societies. QRCS is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of International Crescent and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian efforts — a role that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.
QRCS operates both locally and internationally and has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. QRCS's humanitarian actions include providing support in disaster preparedness, disaster response, risk reduction, and disaster recovery. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, healthcare, and social development to local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian advocacy front. With the help of a vast network of trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.
QRCS works under the umbrella of the seven international humanitarian principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.