Power Station Clearance
Story by Gary Fenton Photos by Magnus Runstrom
MAG was tasked by the National Demining Office to clear an area around and close to the Power Station in Joun close to the City of Saida. The operations are currently funded by the European Union.
View from above the Power Station
The Power Station is considered as one of the most important power stations in Lebanon producing 12% of the consumed power. Around 300,000 people benefit from the electricity generated by this power station. In the area there is also a natural spring were a pump will be installed to provide drinkable water to the local communities. The local community also use the area as a picnic area during the spring and summer months.
Mines found close to the Power Station wall
Clearing this area will also benefit the power station workers allowing them to conduct important maintenance on the station and dredge the river to prevent flooding of the station during the winter months.
PMD 6M Soviet Anti Personnel Mine
The work progressed very slowly due to the thick bamboo not normally associated with Lebanon, with mines being found down to a depth of 50 cm, below the bamboo roots.
A total of 90 Anti Personnel Mines have been destroyed and 4000m² has been cleared, the area is now safe for the power station workers and the local community to continue their picnics in the future safely.
Some of the Team and their Technical Field Manager
