The Minister of Environment, Nasser Yassin, issued in a tweet that the work in the northern silos of the Beirut port was suspended after laboratory analysis of grain samples showed high percentages of fungi.
The suspension came in order to preserve the safety of workers in the vicinity of the barns and based on the recommendations of the Ministries of Public Health and Environment.
The work was temporarily suspended until health and environmental conditions are completed and the necessary quantities of chemicals required to treat fungi are secured.
“This is done in coordination and cooperation with the relevant international organizations, where a meeting will be held tomorrow morning to discuss securing these materials,” the minister noted.
The first phase of work to remove all the existing rubble started in practical steps mid-august in cooperation with UN-Habitat, and under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Works, aiming to raise the large parts to be treated in a safe environmental manner.
The first phase ended Sunday, August 28th, and was set by the Beirut Fire Brigade. The second phase began, Monday, August 29th, in collaboration with the contractor responsible for clearing the site of rubble.
