Jean Gebran resigns permanently from Beirut and mount Lebanon water office

Sunday 17 August 2025 - 13:45

Former director of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Office, Jean Gebran, announced on Sunday his “permanent resignation” following his recent dismissal earlier this month. In a statement, Gebran criticized what he described as a “political decision that turns public administration into an arena for settling scores.”

On August 6, the Minister of Energy and Water, Joe Saddi, confirmed that Gebran’s term had ended in 2021, framing the decision as an “administrative measure.” However, political sources suggested that the dismissal was tied to Gebran’s declared candidacy for upcoming parliamentary elections under the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) in Jbeil.

Gebran stated that he had previously informed the ministry about his intention for a new director to be appointed after Saddi took office. Still, he said he was “surprised” to learn of his removal through media leaks, followed by what he called “defamatory campaigns” targeting his reputation.

Defending his record, Gebran highlighted that during his seven years in office, he promoted fairness in water distribution and implemented a clear plan to rationalize consumption. He rejected accusations of favoritism, insisting that testimonies from citizens across political and religious lines supported his management.

In his statement, Gebran confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter to Minister Saddi. Meanwhile, Beirut continues to suffer from frequent water supply disruptions, often linked to power outages that hinder pumping operations.