Bkassine Municipality Faces Questions Over Project and Conflict of Interest
For years, the Bkassine Municipality has leased a large area of one of Lebanon’s most beautiful pine forests, located within the town’s jurisdiction, under a contract that runs until 2033. The annual rent is reportedly just $200, with the land being used for the La Maison De La Forêt project.
Around 33 wooden bungalows of various sizes have been built on the property and are rented out to individuals and families.
According to information obtained, the tenant is now seeking to extend the lease for an additional 16 years, despite claims that such an extension would violate the law. One of the tenants is reportedly the current mayor, who is allegedly seeking to extend the lease for additional years while benefiting from his position.
While a proposal has been made to increase the annual rent to $24,000 if the lease is extended, questions have also been raised over the legality of the construction work. The structures were reportedly built without permits and without sewage networks or septic tanks, raising environmental concerns.
The information also points to a discrepancy between the area specified in the lease agreement, which is 55,000 square meters, and the area actually being used for the project, which reportedly extends to approximately 360,000 square meters.
The situation also raises concerns over a potential conflict of interest, as Joseph Nasr serves as mayor while also reportedly holding a stake in La Maison De La Forêt. The relevant authorities should therefore investigate the matter and hold accountable anyone found to have been involved in these alleged violations.
