On the twelfth of July 2023, Dr. Wael Hamd for the University of Balamand, Dr. Darine Geara from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Dr. Jean Chamoun from the Lebanese University, and Dr. Claudette Hajj from the Notre Dame University-Louaize represented the SWaTH project in the inauguration of the pilot wastewater treatment plant at the Euro Lebanese Center for Industrial Modernization (ELCIM) at the Industrial Research Institute (IRI) headquarters in Hadat in the framework of the MAIA–TAQA project.
SWaTH and MAIA-TAQA are two projects co-funded by the European Union (Erasmus Plus and ENI CBC Med programs) and share the same concern: a sustainable solution for wastewater. This event was a great opportunity to foster the synergies between the projects funded by the European Commission, raise awareness about wastewater, and emphasize the need for an efficient and cost-effective solution for wastewater in Lebanon and the Southern Mediterranean countries.
In line with this, many dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony, such as H.E. George Boujikian, Minister of Industry, Mr. Salim Zeenni, President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, Dr. Bassam Frenn, Director General of the Industrial Research Institute, in addition to representatives from Hawkama NGO, private water companies, water - energy companies, and water consultancy companies.
More to the point, Dr. Talal Salem from the Notre Dame University-Louaize presented the project and its purpose, introduced the startups and trainers that benefited from the project, explained the scope of the pilot wastewater treatment plant and its various parts (e.g., filters and pumps)
Participants commended the importance of this initiative, wished for this plant’s success, and hoped for its functionality even after the termination of the project.
