From one Crisis to the Next: Fixing the Country


From one crisis to the next, it seems to be our destiny as Lebanese to never let our guard down. If it’s not a crisis of government, it’s a crime spree and pesticide laced fruits and vegetables! We leave one crisis behind only to find ourselves knee deep in the next one.

It's time government shifts gear from managing a total and utter institutional collapse to being more proactive in its approach.

For me, topping the list of pet peeves are people who keep saying “this is the country, it will never change, we have to cope as best we can and make the best of a bad situation.”

We have to take responsibility for fixing our own country or nothing gets fixed.

So, to our Hukumeh el Attideh, here’s a list of many lists, some suggestions of many suggestions, of what really can’t wait another five months for a consensus to be reached to get fixed:

The power sector:

I know there has been a lot of complaining and belly aching on this matter, but here’s a novel idea: for public safety’s sake fix solar powered street lamps on all major highways in Lebanon. By doing this you save power from the overtaxed power grid and you ensure all major arteries are lit at all times. This will reduce traffic accidents and discourage roadside robbers. It may be costly, but it’s quick and simple to do.

While the grid gets the upgrade it needs bring in temporary power plants to pick up the slack. Privatize the power distribution and power generation sectors as per one former minister’s plan. Offer retraining and new employment opportunities to EDL staff, but cut out the cancer that is eating away at our national budget!

Crime:

Only zero tolerance can save the day. Only the complete and uncompromising enforcement of the law regardless of all political, confessional, tribal and familial affiliations can curb the crime wave that threatens to swamp us all. Be fair and firm that is how you restore people's confidence in the system.

Traffic woes:

I have stopped blaming drivers for Lebanon’s traffic woes. Doing so would be like blaming a child for being rowdy and undisciplined, I blame the parents for failing to enforce discipline.

Those who really suffer in silence, caught between the crumbling state road infrastructure and the Lebanese driver’s furry, are those courageous traffic cops out there. They brave the elements to make sure a minimum level of traffic flow and order is maintained.

Patching things up is not good enough anymore. Laying large swathes of asphalt is useless without lane markings and proper road signage. Poor road engineering and the hasty installation of signaled crossings only contributes to further confuse road users.

Example: When vehicles turning left at an intersection get a green light at the same time pedestrians who cross their path get a green light, a confusing situation rapidly escalates to a public safety issue.

People need to see what lies before them on the roads; streets need to be lit regardless of power rationing.

Pedestrian crossing paths are useless unless clearly marked and well lit. And a pedestrian crossing has to actually be attached to a usable pavement at both ends!

So how can I or anyone blame drivers when it’s so obvious that drivers only follow the example set for them by the authorities concerned?! There is a complete and utter disregard for the very basic prerequisites for a safe and efficient road transport systen by officialdom in Lebanon, a system that would ensure the safety of all road users.

If anything, the Lebanese driver should receive the Croix de Guerre each time he/she comes home safely!

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