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GovernanceMar 20, 2025
Perceptions of the Role of Municipalities in Water Sector Governance
- Nadim Farajalla, Nancy Zaarour, Ramy Sakr
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Hawkamaa-EU consortium partners, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union
In this report, Nadim Farajalla, Nancy Zaarour, and Ramy Sakr examine Lebanon's water sector governance, highlighting challenges and opportunities at the municipal level. It outlines the country's chronic water shortages caused by poor infrastructure, political instability, and economic decline. The report details the evolving legal framework, particularly Laws 221/2000 and 192/2020, which define the roles of municipalities and Regional Water Establishments (RWEs). Key findings from interviews with stakeholders reveal limited municipal authority, poor coordination between municipalities and RWEs, financial constraints, and weak public engagement. Recommendations include legal reforms, decentralized governance, improved financial strategies, and enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure sustainable water management.
Nadim Farajalla is the first Chief Sustainability Officer at the Lebanese American University. Formerly, he worked as a senior scientist and environmental engineer in the private sector, contributing to water resources, environmental impact studies, and climate resilience projects across the Middle East. He founded and led the Climate Change and Environment Program at the American University of Beirut’s Issam Fares Institute. His research addresses climate change impacts on human settlements, impact of climate change on security, the nexus of water-energy food, implementing Agenda 2030 in Lebanon and the region, and integrating sustainability in academic settings.Nancy Zaarour is a Research Associate at the American University of Beirut (AUB)’s Olayan School of Business (OSB). She holds a PhD in Management from NEOMA Business School, France and an MBA and BS in Biology from the Lebanese American University. With over 18 years of experience in project management, she specializes in environmental sustainability, governance, and policy. Previously, she held senior roles at AUB’s Issam Fares Institute and the University of Balamand where she contributed to grant development, project management, and capacity building. Nancy has co-authored publications on environmental governance and water management and has taught courses and training sessions on proposal writing and project managementRamy Sakr is an experienced environmental and livelihood consultant with more than ten years in managing and implementing impactful projects. He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry – Life Sciences from Saint Joseph University (USJ). Ramy combines a solid academic background with hands-on expertise in sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and strengthening community resilience. His skills span proposal development, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to international donor standards. Driven by a commitment to environmental advocacy and sustainable solutions, Ramy actively uses his knowledge and experience to foster positive change and build a more resilient future for communities and ecosystems.