President of the Republic, Michel Aoun, on Friday kicked off a tour in the Batroun district, where he inspected a number of developmental projects in the area.

President Aoun was accompanied by Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Gebran Bassil, and several experts and advisors.

The President had a firsthand look at the ongoing of work at developmental projects carried out in said district, with concerned officials briefing him on project benefits and advantages for the residents of Batroun and neighboring areas.

The first stopover had been in the town of Tannourine el Tahta, where Aoun inspected the rehabilitation and expansion project of Tannourine el Tahta-Tannourine el Fawqa Road, which begins in Tannourine el-Tahta, passing through Wata Houb area and far-reaching to Tannourine el-Fawqa.

Aoun hoped that rehabilitation works would finish within the set deadline, without any negative impact on the movement of citizens in the towns and villages witnessing such rehabilitation works.

It is to note that the length of said road is 6.9 km with a width of 10 meters. The road consists of a single corridor with 3.5 km width in each direction.

The importance of this road lies in linking the coast of Batroun district with its outskirts.

Aoun and his accompanying delegation then moved to the entrance of the town of Batroun, hsis econd stopover within his Batroun tour.

Aoun inaugurated Saints Road in the twon, in the presence of Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Gebran Bassil.

Upon arrival, Aoun recieved a wide popular reception, where he was greeted by the head of Batroun Municipality, Batroun Municipalities Federation, Marcelino Al-Harak, and scores of local dignitaries.

Aoun's convoy then crossed the new road moving towards the town of Eddeh, with the Lebanese flags and banners welcoming the President in said town elevated across road.

It is to note that the length of the road is 7.2 kilometers with 11 meters width. Road project cost is US $ 7.8 million.

Aoun's convoy then moved to the town of Jrebta, where he inaugurated "Saint Rafqa Elderly Home", along with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rahi.

Aoun was greeted by Patriarch Rahi and the General President of the Lebanese Maronite Mothers, Sonia Al-Ghusain, the Head of St. Joseph Jrebta Monastery, Mother Melanie Maqsoud and "Beit Rafqa" project donor, Salim Al-Zeer, and crowds of "Beit Rafqa" devout.

After unveiling the plaque of honor, the President and his accompanying delegation toured "Beit Rafqa" followed by a visit to the church decorated with colorful paintings on its walls and ceiling

Source: NNA