Lebanese Republic - Ministry of Youth and Sports
Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, visited Bourj Hammoud, beginning her tour with a meeting at the municipality, followed by visits to the Saint Jacques project and the municipal stadium.
She was received by Mayor Mardik Boghossian and members of the municipal council. During the meeting held at the municipality, Boghossian thanked the minister for her visit, highlighting the high population density and the diversity that characterizes Bourj Hammoud, even describing it as “a miniature version of Lebanon.”
The mayor also presented the challenges facing the municipality in light of current circumstances and limited resources, which make it difficult to provide essential services—especially since the collection of municipal fees does not exceed 45% due to the economic hardship. He called for the necessity of securing incentive payments and compensations, which are a rightful due to the municipality and its residents.
Various projects and initiatives undertaken by the municipality were presented, starting with the near completion of the Saint Jacques project, which includes 184 apartments, 70 shops, and a parking building. Other initiatives include solar-powered street lighting, road and sidewalk rehabilitation, and infrastructure maintenance across various neighborhoods.
Mayor Boghossian also presented the history of the municipal stadium, which once hosted international matches, highlighting its current condition and the urgent need for rehabilitation—well beyond the municipality’s capabilities.
He laid out the municipality’s vision and plans, stressing the importance and necessity of modernizing this sports facility, not only for the area but also for the sports sector nationwide. He expressed hope that Minister Bayrakdarian would contribute to securing the necessary support for the project.
Minister Bayrakdarian spoke of the ongoing efforts to revitalize the role of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, despite its limited allocated budget. She affirmed that the Council of Ministers is working on increasing public revenues to secure essential government spending and emphasized the importance of restoring trust to attract investment and promote growth.
During the visit to the Saint Jacques project and after reviewing the various stages it has undergone despite the country’s crises—and with explanations provided by the mayor regarding the ongoing projects in the area—Minister Bayrakdarian praised the efforts and achievements of the Bourj Hammoud Municipality in spite of limited resources and significant challenges.
At the municipal stadium, Mayor Boghossian provided a detailed explanation of its current condition and needs. Minister Bayrakdarian confirmed the importance and necessity of rehabilitating this facility.
She noted the pressing need for sports facilities that meet modern standards, in order to support the sector’s development and proud achievements, as well as the ambitions and hopes of the Lebanese people.
In this context, Minister Bayrakdarian assured that she would make every possible effort to support this initiative within the available means.
