Environment Minister Tamara El Zein stressed the need to direct funding toward sustainable solid waste management solutions while avoiding loans, calling for an end to costly temporary measures that burden citizens and public finances.

Her remarks came during a meeting with a World Bank delegation comprising Middle East and North Africa Environment Practice Manager Maria Sarraf and Senior Environmental Specialist Lamia Mansour.

The delegation praised the ministry’s recent reforms, describing them as a basis for restoring confidence and mobilizing support for tangible projects.

Discussions focused on financing mechanisms for the solid waste sector, particularly during the transition from reform adoption to implementation, and supporting the National Solid Waste Management Authority’s plans.

El Zein emphasized that investment must extend beyond constructing facilities to ensuring their operation and maintenance, within an integrated system encompassing waste reduction, sorting, recovery, recycling, treatment and safe disposal.

The meeting also addressed expanding cooperation on forest fire prevention, including extending the project’s duration and geographical coverage to protect additional forested areas.

Both sides agreed to pursue further coordination to translate reforms into concrete financing, operational projects and sustainable environmental improvements.