It is quite sad that something tragic needs to occur for Lebanese to wake up and realize the dangers surrounding them. Two days ago, a blast at gas station in Beirut left 7 dead. The next day, officials were raising concerns over safety measures adopted at gas stations and our dear minister felt he should share with us the fact that half of the gas stations in Lebanon are illegal. [DailyStar]
According to minister Gebran Bassil, we have 3250 gas stations out of which only 1450 have licenses, 700 with expired licenses and 1100 with no licenses whatsoever. [NowLebanon]
Added to that, we have almost four times more gas stations in Lebanon when compared to Italy and a gas station for every 1250 Lebanese.
I don’t know what our officials or ministers want to prove, but I would have resigned when facing such facts.
PS: There are two gas stations facing the one that had the blast, even though it is not allowed for gas stations to be built near each others.
So you’re telling me that the minister acknowledged that around 55% are illegal and yet there is nothing done about it. I agree with you that he should resign immediately. I mean, the japanese minister from one of your old posts gave in his resignation for a meagre gift for God’s sake. This guy is aware of ticking timebombs around the country and he’s not even resolving the issue. What kind of a country are we living in, seriously.
By the way, is the picture you’ve shown the one about the explosion that occured a few days ago? Pretty brutal.
Yup this is a picture of the gas station that exploded.
I dont get why ur blaming Bassil. It’s not like these gas stations were built just now, they have prob been there for many years. So blame ur beloved politicians who let them build these gas stations from the beginning.
Don’t get started on what is or is not legal in Lebanon. We are surrounded by illegal stuff, starting with gas stations, construction sites, even beach resorts… NOBODY gives a damn. Everybody cares about his OWN self. Men kell 3a2lak Bassil would resign??? or anyone else for that matter??? NEVER when money money money and more is on their minds….
I’m spending my summer vacation in lebanon this year, and , i`m hesitating day after day if it’s the right decision…this country is disgusting from all angles and it`s getting worse by the day…such a pity.
Hani,
He’s been the minister for more than a year now? Why didn’t he close any of those stations? It’s not about politics here, it’s about doing ur job.
Baroud cracked down the illegal buildings and destroyed them, even though it might have cost him his job.
He is the minister in charge of those regulations. He is to be blamed first and foremost. If he can;t handle the responsibility, let him leave.
PS: The same goes to many other ministers.
nadine,
I honestly believe you make of Lebanon what you want. If you accept the fact that it’s normal to have illegal gas stations, to drink like crazy, to carry weapons for no reason, to start fights for no reason, to have “wasta” here and there, then you will enjoy its beautiful weather and nice scenery. Otherwise, I truly advise you to go elsewhere 🙂
Nadine… Please do go elsewhere, you will get more for your money as a first, second you will be one less person to be stuck in traffic for most of your vacation…Go to Mykonos, i suggest you spend as much time in Caprice do Mykonos and on Paradise Beach…at least there you don’t need to pay for a godly right to use the sea…