Ministers of Economy and Environment Tour Beirut Port to Inspect Silos' Condition

A Multi-Level Strategy for a Sustainable Solution

The Ministers of Economy and Trade, Amer Bsat and Tamara Al-Zein, visited the Port of Beirut as part of a strategy to rehabilitate and find sustainable solutions to ongoing issues related to the port. They inspected the condition of the grain silos following the 2020 Beirut port explosion and assessed the problem of leftover grain residues, which have become an environmental hazard. They also reviewed the control measures taken by the ministry and evaluated the structural integrity of the remaining silos to plan the next steps for a long-term resolution.

During the visit, Minister Bsat stated: “We are conducting this tour today with a team composed of representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Port Investment Directorate, the Scientific Research Council, and the Directorate of Grains, Sugar Beets, and Silos.”

He added: “We must address this issue on four levels:

The first level is the immediate and urgent environmental issue.
The grain inside and outside the silos poses a severe environmental risk due to fermentation, which emits foul odors and increases the risk of fire—potentially damaging the remaining silo structure. This is why the role of the Scientific Research Council and its ongoing studies is crucial. We are looking forward to the results of these studies in the coming weeks.

The second level concerns the reconstruction of the silos, which requires a definitive solution within five years. This must be approached scientifically.

The third level is the matter of the families of the port explosion victims. Any decision we make must take into account the situation and interests of the victims' families. These discussions are being led by the Minister of Culture. However, we have a duty to ensure the safety of the silos and to prevent another catastrophe.

The fourth level is the long-term strategic plan. Rebuilding the silos is vital for Lebanon’s food security, especially considering the country’s current shortage of storage capacity. We live in a region frequently impacted by crises, and it is crucial to have proper storage facilities for grains and wheat, so we are not forced to purchase them hastily and inefficiently.”

He concluded: “As for the question of where the new silos will be built, I believe they will not only be in Beirut but also in other regions. We are conducting studies to assess the storage capacity needed, as well as the costs and sources of funding.”

In response to journalists' questions, Minister Bsat stated:
“The public sector's experience in managing silos has always been constructive. Therefore, we must consider all options, including the possibility of partnerships with the private sector. In any case, implementing these options will take time and require thorough studies.”

For her part, Environment Minister Tamara Zein emphasized that “the issue of the silos has multiple dimensions. Regarding the environmental aspect, emissions are present, and the smoke escaping from the silos is evident.”

The minister mentioned that she had called for the formation of a committee consisting of experts from the National Council for Scientific Research, as well as specialists in fungi, toxicology, and structural engineering, to determine the best ways to address the issues.

She added: “Any proposed solution will be discussed, as this matter involves several ministries and authorities,” also highlighting the economic dimension of the silos.

“The most important thing now is for the committee to publish a report outlining possible scientific recommendations to solve this issue. Everyone is waiting for a solution to avoid falling into another crisis,” she concluded.
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