In a statement, HPC said the goal is to have “transparent
communication” and hold a discussion of central aspects of the port and city
development with all interested parties.
“After the devastating Beirut explosion on 4 August, 2020
and COVID-19 pandemic, the Lebanese people are facing hard times,” HPC
explained.
“The explosion severely damaged both the port and
surrounding areas, triggering the loss of life to more than 200 souls, more
than 6,500 injured and the destruction of thousands of homes.
“Furthermore, a lack of a comprehensive reform vision is
calling for the development of an inclusive solution for all.”
HPC will invite individuals as well as organisations, and
others who want to support the redevelopment of the port and the city.
Unlike the standard international approach, this concept
avoids any new debt of the Lebanese State but covers its own income through its
European re-urbanisation, it said.
The income has been calculated to cover the new Port as much
as the refurbishment of the heritage damaged by the blast and basic
infrastructural needs.
Suheil Mahayni, Managing Director of HPC, said, “This
explosion left a deep and still bleeding wound in the Lebanese capital whose
inhabitants are still living with the psychological, physical and economic
consequences of the blast.
“We are wholehearted with the people of Beirut and we want
to support them so that they can rebuild their port and their city. With our
proposal, we have put a tangible solution on the table that can now be
discussed with all of Lebanon’s stakeholders.
“The ‘Beirut PortCity Dialogue’ platform is an opportunity
to discuss the proposed options publicly, transparently and with a focus on the
public interest for the city and the country.
“The dialogue is open for anyone from the private sector,
political and non-governmental organisations, as well as Lebanese individuals.
“Together, we want to develop a common understanding to
rebuild the port, and the heritage damaged in the explosion.”