Safe drinking water to improve the living conditions

Safe drinking water is one of the basic prerequisites of human health and well-being. To be able to ensure the supply of clean water the Finnish-Irish Battalion (FINIRISHBATT) together with the municipality of Aytarun provided a water purification plant to the residents of Aytarun in South Lebanon.

3. September 2016 an inauguration of the water purification plant was organized in the municipality of Aytarun in South Lebanon. The Commander of the FINIRISHBATT, Lieutenant Colonel Vesa Vainio together with the mayor of Aytarun Salim Mourad, other local representatives and peace keepers took part in the occasion. Providing a water purification plant for the city was one of the quick impact projects (QIP) of the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) branch.

FINIRISHBATT implements the mandate of UNIFIL by supporting the locals in achieving a stable and safe environment. Through CIMIC projects the battalion is able to carry out one of its tasks, assisting the local population, and simultaneously increase the positive image of the UNIFIL-troops in the area.

In 2010 the UN General Assembly declared safe and clean drinking water and sanitation a human right. The safe drinking water has an important role when improving the living conditions of the local population. Thus different types of water-related projects are essential in the CIMIC-activities of the battalion. The work is carried out in close cooperation with the local authorities. Consequently, the FINIRISHBATT and the municipality of Aytarun share a long and successful history in this regard. In his speech the mayor of Aytarun expressed his gratification for the FINIRISHBATT for all of its help and support.

The project was executed in cooperation with the governments of Finland and Ireland and the mayor of Aytarun and the municipal council.