Lebanon Direct Action - Bekaa Water Management Programme (BWMP)


By improving water infrastructures and implementing evidence-based management at the Bekaa Water Establishment, continuous access to water will be provided to the population in the Bekaa. This project implemented as a direct Swiss humanitarian action will improve the health and well-being of the population, particularly the most vulnerable. 

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Lebanon
Water
Migration
Water supply
Water sanitation
Migration generally (development aspects and partnerships)
01.01.2024 - 31.12.2027
CHF  3’376’000
Background Lebanon is undergoing a governance crisis, characterised by an acute economic contraction, on top of long-term structural challenges for the public sector. This multi-layered crisis is having a major impact also in the water sector, with all population groups facing increasing challenges in accessing safe and sufficient quantities of water for drinking and domestic use. The Bekaa Water Establishment (BWE), responsible for provision of water to the communities of the Bekaa Valley, is particularly affected by the crisis, which is threatening its business continuity.
Objectives The health and well-being of the population and in particular the most vulnerable people in the Bekaa Valley have improved through continuous access to essential water services.
Target groups

Population of the Bekaa, 1.5 million Lebanese and Syrian refugees under the mandate of Bekaa Water Establishment.

Bekaa Water Establishment, Municipalities and Union of Municipalities.  

Medium-term outcomes
  1. The population have better access to essential WASH services through support for infrastructure, evidence-based management, and critical business operations of water resources
  2. Improved cooperation on integrated water management, at social and institutional level, mitigates water-related conflicts and fragmentation of the water sector
Results

Expected results:  

1.1. Safe water and adequate sanitation systems are constructed or improved in collaboration with national institutions, governorates, and local communities.

1.2. Evidence-based decision making contributes to improved management of water resources and climate change adaptation through digital information analysis.

2.1. Conflict sensitive programme management reduces community tensions and mitigates harm to people and infrastructure.

2.2. Increased participatory planning between BWE and Municipalities, Unions and other local actors strengthens social stabilisation. 


Results from previous phases:  

Access to water has been ensured with the business continuity of the Bekaa Water Establishment by providing rehabilitation and repair for 48 pumping stations covering more than 700’000 people of the Bekaa Valley.

The project was a pioneer in digitalization with a system across 61 key locations, ensuring flaw detection and rapid response, preventing disruptions in water supply. Solarisation of 4 pumping stations for more than 50,000 persons ensured water access despite electricity shortages (lowering costs and reducing CO2 emissions).

BWMP also introduced new approaches such as drinking water fountains in public areas, fostering social cohesion (9,000 people).


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
Private sector
  • Foreign private sector North
  • Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit


Coordination with other projects and actors UNICEF, AFD-EU, USAID, and ICRC.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    3’376’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    177’998 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   7’717’500 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   11’093’500
Project phases Phase 3 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2027   (Current phase) Phase 1 01.10.2015 - 31.12.2020   (Active)