The loubieh, kounaiterah, khzeiz cluster introduce themselves loubieh V.0 english.pdf · 1.5social tissue in loubieh cluster 1.5.1 Distribution of residents 1.5.2 Migration and exodus

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The loubieh, kounaiterah, khzeiz cluster introduce themselves

November 2006

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A tribute

This statistical file reflects the joint efforts made by many institutions, individuals and work groups in the cluster of loubieh, kouneyterah and khzeiz. Each of the local work groups contributed in gathering and analyzing information and statistics through field visits and interviews made with main actors in the local development process of the cluster.

The local community portions had an important contribution in the

elaboration of this file, through their direct contribution in gathering and analyzing information and giving the file its current form.

As for the municipality of loubieh represented b its president,

municipal council members, its mukhtar and the mukhtars of kunayterah and khzeiz, they had an important contribution in providing information and facilitating the field work for the working groups.

Finally, it is necessary to thank all the local community members

in the communities and villages of the cluster for their collaboration and the review of the information, and for giving many rich ideas and opinions.

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Table of Contents 1. Geographic characteristics

1.1 Geographic location and name 1.1.1roads leading to the cluster

1.1.2 Origin of name 1.2 climates in loubieh cluster 1.3 relief and soil in the cluster 1.4 urban distribution and land possession 1.5social tissue in loubieh cluster 1.5.1 Distribution of residents 1.5.2 Migration and exodus 1.6 social relationships 1.6.1internal relationships 1.6.2 Relationships with surrounding villages 1.7 governmental institutions 2. The natural environment in loubieh cluster 2.1 sewage and water pollution 2.2 solid wastes 2.4 natural sites and water 2.5 medical and fragrant plants 3. Pubic services situation 3.1road network 3.1.1main road 3.1.2 Internal roads 3.2water network 3.3 electricity network 3.4immobile phone network 3.5 water, sewage, roads, electricity and communication situation in the cluster. 4. Economic situation 4.1 Agriculture 4.1.1 Agricultural sector problems 4.2 livestock 4.2.1 Problems of livestock sector 4.3 commercial and industrial sectors 4.4 economic realities 4.4.1 Distribution of income 4.4.2 Unemployment 4.4.3participation 5. Health services 5.1distribution of beneficiaries 6. Education and cultural sectors

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6.1 illiteracy 6.2school dropout 6.3students orientations after high school 6.4 cultural situation in the cluster 6.5 specializations and skills 7. Local administration in loubieh cluster 7.1 municipal realities 7.1.1implemented projects 7.1.2future projects 7.1.3municipal performance obstacles 7.1.4conclusion 7.1.5 Municipal view to the partnership with ESFD 7.2 mukhtar council in kounayterah 7.3 mukhtar council in khzeiz

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List of tables Table 1 distribution of dwellings in the sections in loubieh cluster Table 2 distribution of population depending on gender and age Table 3 rate of residence in the cluster communities during winter and summer. Table 4 average of households size in the cluster Table 5 distribution of crops in the cluster Table 6 kinds of livestock in the cluster Table 8 distribution of workers in the cluster Table 9 distribution of unemployed depending on age and gender Table 10 the average of the income of the households Table 11 distribution of income sources in the cluster Table 12 rate of participation in the work according to groups Table 13 distribution of students according to stages and gender Table 14 distribution of illiteracy according to age Table 15 school dropout rates in loubieh cluster Table 16 distribution of students on schools outside the community Table 17 distribution of skills in the cluster

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1. Geographic characteristics 1.1 Geographic location and name

The Loubieh Cluster, that consists of 3 main villages: Loubieh, Khzeiz and Koneytra, is

located in the section of zahrani, west of the South Lebanon Governorate. This cluster is delineated by Saida from the North, Tyr from the south, Nabatyeh from East and the sea from the west The total surface of the cluster is 4.650 dunums, 2430 in Loubieh, 420 in kounayterah. And 1800 dunums in khzeiz.

Despite the fact that these communities are located in one area, they are different on

the geographic side and many other sides. The community of khzeiz is separated from al kounayterah by al kounayterah valley which is not parted by a road because of its inclination. It is possible to move from community to another through the community of maamaryah and it takes around 15 minutes due to the bad situation of the roads that links the communities. Al kounayterah is surrounded by: Jinjlaya village from the North, Arki, Khzeiz and Hejje villages from the South, Ben Afoul from the East and Al Gazieh, Aktanit and Maamarieh from the West. The main surrounding villages are Al Gazieh and Aktanit. As for the community of khzeiz, it is surrounded by: Al Koneytra from the North, Zefta village from the South, Arki village from the East and Al Maamarieh village from the West. The main surrounding villages are Aktanit, Al Maamarieh, Arki, Al Koneytra, Azza and Hejje.

Both Al Koneytrah and khzeiz are situated at 12 km from Saida the center of the caza

and the governorate and 52 km from Beirut. Al Koneytra’s altitude is around 220 m and khzeiz’s altitude is around 400m.

The Loubieh village is located in the south west of al Zahrani area and it is

considered as a coaster village, it is 15 km away from al kounayterah and khzeiz, it can be reached through the coaster road (Saida-Tyr) passing by the community of al ghazyeh in 30 minutes. It is delineated from the North by Saksakieh village, from the South by Ansarieh village, from the East by Bablieh village and from the West by the Mediterranean Sea. Loubieh is 20 km away from Saida, the Caza and Mouhafaza centre and 60 km from Beirut. It is 150 m above sea level.

1.1.1roads leading to the cluster The cluster could be reached from north and south by the coastal road (Saida-Tyr). As for khzeiz and kounayterah communities, they could be reached through Al ghazyeh ascending crossroad on the coaster road and also through the road (al Nabatyeh Tyre). You can reach loubieh community through the ascending Loubieh crossroad and from the East through the Nabatyeh main road (Saida al Nabatyeh) from the hejje crossroad or deir al zahrani. You could also access to the community through Ansar and Al Kawtharyah. Worth mentioning that there is an entry that links loubieh to al Autostrad Al Arabi its road is still

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incomplete, in spite of the attempt of the municipality to get an approval from the competent authorities to complete it. 1.1.2 Origin of name

Loubieh: it is considered as an old community that was inhabited by several populations. That is what we conclude from the name coming from Saint Louis Convent from the Byzantine period.

Al Kounaytera: it was named after the mountains that surround it that are shaped like archs (in Arabic kanatir).

Khzeiz: it means “brave knight”, but some people say that it is named so because there are many springs in the land.

1.2 climate in loubieh cluster The climate of the cluster is moderate as in most of the coastal villages. Kouneytrah and Khzeiz have a cold climate in winter because of their altitude above the sea level, but it is moderate in most of seasons. Worth mentioning that climate can be different within the same community due to the variance of the relief, and the presence of some plains and hills.

1.3relief and soil in the cluster Relief and soil are different in the cluster and vary from one community to another; it also varies within the same community. Loubieh is dominated by mountainous nature because it is located on hills versant. The versants that contain dwellings are flat and surrounded by valleys that contain small plains and the rocky hills dominate its surround. The soil is good, although the community is rocky and generally poor on the versants. Its agricultural lands have a good soil on some versants while the inclinations lack good soil except for the valleys.

1.4 urban distribution and land possession

The whole surface of the cluster is 4650 dunums. The built houses are estimated to 95 dunums. The empty lands are estimated to 2644 dunums. We have 1911 dunums left as public properties. The land ownership in the cluster is considered legal, the number of dwellings is 380 dwellings and they are all considered average. The construction is also legal, the dwellings are individual and the average size of dwellings is 4 rooms. The average size of households per dwelling is 6. The number of cluster residents is 3050 in summer and it is reduced to 2640 in winter.

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In Loubieh, there are about 255 dwellings all along the internal road lading to 4 directions. These units are generally organized except for the entries of the square section that are random. In kounayterah, there are 80 buildings on inclinations and on the little versant that encompasses the centre of the community. In kounayterah buildings are distributed to many sections, while in khzeiz the number of dwellings is estimated to 45 divided into sections: the upper community that is on the main level of the community, in which dwellings are considered as unorganized and far from each other, and the lower community in which dwellings are distributed randomly and stuck to each other.

Table 1 distribution of dwellings in the sections in loubieh cluster

Name of the section

Number of buildings

Average number of

levels Al Housaynyeh 45 2

Al Baydar 43 2

Al Naher 20 2

Al Mahatta 33 2

Daher Jaber 24 2

Al Dayoura 24 3

Al Saha al Amma

42 2

Al byneyeh 24 4

Loubieh

Total 255

Al Housaynyeh 9 2 Al Kounaytera

AL Jamee 9 2

9

Al Saha 8 2

Jal al mhafara 3 2

Al sammaka 14 2

Al nakiyeh 12 2

Al bourj 4 1

Tallet rouza 3 1

Total 80

Upper side of the village

25 1

Lower side of the village

20 2

Khzeiz

Total 45

1.5 social tissues in loubieh cluster 1.5.1 Distribution of population The registered population of the cluster reaches around 4.600 individuals. 48% of the residents are male and 52% are female. They are distributed on over 380 residential units. The number of electors in Loubieh is 750 electors. The number of residents in the community is 2.770 in winter, reaching 2.950 in summer. The average family size is 6 to 7 persons per household. This is much higher than the national average in Lebanon reaching 4.64 persons per household. The average age of marriage is 25 years, and the number of the incoming persons is 245 persons who were deported during the occupation especially from kabriha and Honin. There are also incoming persons from surrounding villages such as Al Saksakyeh, Hejje. Azze and Arki. There are also some incoming persons from Beirut in addition to some foreign people (Palestinians and Syrians). The most important families in Loubieh village are: Khalil, Matar, Al Assaad, Siblini, Younes, Melhem, Mansour, Shoumar, Abbas, Aloul, Abou Yehia, Al Hussein, Rahil, Ghantous, Fawwaz, Aoun, Ammar, Rizk and Awwad.

The residents of the cluster are distributed according to the following table:

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Table 2: Distribution of residents in Loubieh cluster according to the gender and age Age Male Female Below 21 years 920 995

21- 35 years 310 345

36- 65 years 280 300

Above 65 years 70 90

Total 1580 1730

Grand total 3310

Table 3 rate of residence in the cluster communities during winter and summer

Community Loubieh Al Kounayterah Khzeiz summer winter Summer Winter Summer Winter 1900 1800 800 720 350 120 Rate of residence in the cluster in the summer 3050 Rate of residence in the cluster in the winter 2640 Table 4 average of households size in the cluster

Community Loubieh Al

kounayterah Khzeiz

Household size average 6 persons 7 persons 5 persons Household size 6 persons

1.5.2 Internal and external migration The number of internal migrants is estimated at 870 persons distributed on cities like Saida, Tyre, Beirut, and on southern villages such as Sarafand, Maamaryeh, Daoudyeh and Maamayet al kharayeb. As for the external migration, there are 39 emigrant families in Europe, Canada, USA, Arabic gulf, Australia and Africa. Some unofficial

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information point that many youth want to go Gulf countries because of the job opportunities provided there. This could deprive the cluster from its young and skilled members and at the same time contributes to the activation of the economy because of money transfers expected from emigrants. Children Like in the majority of poor regions in Lebanon, there are no leisure facilities in the cluster and the surrounding villages. There is no entertainment city, a park, leisure clubs or cinema theaters even the existing schools don’t offer anything in the field of entertainment. So the children spend their free time after school in the street. It is worth mentioning that there are some playgrounds in the community of Loubieh. The investment and maintenance costs of these playgrounds are paid by the municipality ach year. Women The cluster communities are considered conservative and traditional. This characteristic has an impact on the role of women and their position in their society. Moreover, the absence of job opportunities and the small number of companies that could provide job opportunities to women have also an impact. However, women contribute in work, they have an important role in teaching and the majority of teachers are women in Loubieh for example. Women also work in the fields of nursing, commerce, agriculture in addition to some employees. Despite the traditional character of the cluster, women show readiness to access to the labor market whenever they have the chance that is not contradictory with traditions. Women also want to finish their higher education and they contribute in the social work even in a limited way. The majority of local committees members are women and the Loubieh municipal council is characterized by the presence of women among its members. 1.6 social relationships 1.6.1 Internal relationships Due to the absence of any leisure facilities or common activities or cultural centers in the cluster, the internal relationships are limited. There are family relationships or relationships within political parties. But communication between residents of the cluster is good, they exchange visits in happiness and sadness especially during weddings, funerals and

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holidays. All conflicts are solved by familial or political mediation or sometimes by law. 1.6.2 Relationships with surrounding villages Relationships with the nearest villages are limited but they are closer with the farther villages especially during holidays. The confessional difference plays an important role but it is not a rule. The Christian community khzeiz has tight relationships with its Muslim neighbor Arki, while relationships between Loubieh and Ansarieh, both Muslim, and are very limited. 1.7 governmental institutions The Loubieh cluster is suffering like the majority of poor areas in Lebanon, from chronic neglect and deprivation. There are no public governmental institutions, except the mukhtar councils only the community of Loubieh has a municipal council that was established in 2004, a mukhtar council and the public complementary school. Development initiatives are rare, so the communities of the cluster rely on the newly signed partnership with the ESFD to limit the deterioration of living conditions and to overcome the chronic neglect later. 2. The natural environment in loubieh cluster 2.1 sewage and water pollution The residents of the cluster rely on cesspools to discharge waste water. The absence of a sewage network and a network to treat waste water are the main problems that face the residents. We have to point to the high cost of discharging these cesspools that have to be discharged once every 2 months. The establishment of a sewage network is one of the main concerns of the cluster. It is worth mentioning that there are some environmental problems due to the possibility that the waste water infiltrates into the soil. It potentially threatens ground water sources. This situation could threaten human health in general, and specifically ground water and artesian wells water. 2.2 solid wastes Solid waste treatment varies from one village to the other, in Loubieh waste is collected through a farm trailer, taken from containers in the side roads and then it is thrown in a dump where it is burnt. These way affects the environment and public health, increases the air pollution and the problem of bad smells especially during the summer. The environment

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pollution resulting from waste water and the random disposal of solid waste are the weakest points in the community. This unsafe environmental situation could deteriorate the economic situation unless it is treated quickly and in a practical way. As for the community of al kounayterah the problem is worse, the size of waste is estimated at half a ton daily and there is no containers so the waste is burnt in side roads and on front of houses which causes air pollution. In khzeiz the problem is being solved in spite of the absence of containers but an agreement was signed with Arki municipality and a private company is carrying out this issue. In the cluster, there is no waste treatment or recycling except solid materials collected by some workers. 2.3 air pollution and smells All the communities of the cluster suffer from the air pollution and bad smells emission especially the community of Loubieh where there is a lot of smoke resulting from burning wastes from Loubieh and ansaryeh communities and from the dump of Sarafand situated near the community. In addition to the smells resulting from the use of organic fertilizer that has a very stinky odor. This entire situation prevents people from opening their windows in the summer. 2.4 natural sites and water The cluster has many natural sites. On the other hand, there are a lot of springs in the mountains that are used in watering livestock. There are also green spaces and plains but there are no forests or rivers or seashores. The cluster has also many natural rocks. In Loubieh there is a seasonal river that has a water mill from the Turkish period but it is in a bad state and needs to be restored by the Ministry of tourism. The municipality does not have the financial resources to implement such measures. In khzeiz, there is a water spring that can be used for producing drinking water, besides some archaeological grottos that can be used touristically. 2.5 medical and fragrant plants The cluster is rich in medical and fragrant plants that are used by residents or by some workers from the surrounding villages who collect and sell these plants.

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3. Pubic services situation 3.1 roads network 3.1.1main road The main road of each of the communities of the cluster is in a bad shape. The road linking the coast to Loubieh, which is the main road o the community (4 km), is a narrow road that needs to be enlarged. It was placed by the municipality as an important issue. As for the road linking between Ghaziyeh, kounayterah and khzeiz, it needs to be enlarged, fixed and enlightened. It is also necessary to place barriers and walls because it is dangerous. It is necessary to say that paving and enlarging roads could affect positively the development of the cluster communities. 3.1.2 Internal roads Internal roads are generally narrow, many of them need to be paved and enlarged. A part of these roads is panted with trees, paved and maintained. Some roads need walls, and main roads are enlightened. 3.2water network Residents of the cluster rely on water networks connected to 95% oh dwellings, while the other dwellings rely on artesian wells. The concerned company implements the necessary maintenance in case of breakdown. Water is provided permanently but it is reduced sometimes due to maintenance, breakdown, or shortage. The water network in khzeiz face major problems because it is old and in a bad shape. The annual cost of water is 220 000 LBP per subscriber and it is not a small amount comparing to the monthly income of household. There are also many artesian wells especially in Loubieh community that has 56 wells distributed on different regions in the community but most of them are in the residential area. Well water is used in irrigation and domestic use but it is a financial burden on the farmers because of the high cost of its pumping from wells and its maintenance. 3.3 electricity network Despite that all dwellings are connected to the public network, the cluster suffers from bad services because of the rationing carried out in all Lebanese regions especially during the summer. This situation makes residents get private generators which increases the financial burdens.

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3.4 immobile phone network There are about 69 subscribers to the immobile phone, the network does not face any problems and it is maintained in case of breakdown. The cost is considered moderate it varies between 30 000 and 50 000 LBP. 3.5 water, sewage, roads, electricity and communication situation in the cluster Please refer to the following annex

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Information sources Needs /problems Cost Quality Other sources Sustainability of the service The existence of a main source Service khzeiz Kounayt

era Loubieh khzeiz Kounayt

era Loubieh khzeiz Kounayter

a Loubieh khzeiz Kounayt



era Loubieh Khzeiz Kouna

ytera Loubieh

Al mukhtar -

Al mukhtar -

Municipality .

There are some problems in the main network. Situation expected to deteriorate because the network is old and is not maintained.

There are no problems about the networ.k. Network expected to be improved.

Good shape. There is shortage sometimes.

- the cost of refined water.

- about 100 000 LBP per year

Wells cost varies between 300 000 and 500 000 LBP per year.

Drinking water.

Clean and pure water. Drinking water.

Drinking water but some people use refined water

2 artesian wells for domestic use and irrigation Water tanks. Refined water containers.

3 artesian wells. Other wells 30 meter deep. Public spring.

56اartesian wells for domestic use and irrigation. Drinking water. Water tanks There are refined water containers.

- seasonally available

- Always Available

Always Available

An official water network established in 1996. 100 % of dwellings connected to the network. No Maintenance carried out in case of breakdown.

An official water network established in 2000. 95 % of dwellings connected to the network. Maintenance carried out in case of breakdown.

An official water network established in 1994. 95 % of dwellings connected to the network. Maintenance carried out in case of breakdown.

Water

Al mukhtar -

Al mukhtar -

Municipality

- Narrow roads and many holes. No maintenance.

No maintenance available. Breakdowns in winter.

Narrow roads and many holes. Shortage in walls of support

- 70% of the road is paved Lightning is available on internal roads only

- 70% of the road is paved. Lightning is available.

80 % of the road is paved. Lightning is available

Internal and general roads are bad - Situation expected to deteriorate in the future .

Internal and general roads are average Situation expected to deteriorate in the future -

Internal and general roads are average. Situation expected to deteriorate in the future

Internal roads: community road.

Internal roads: community road.

Internal roads : community road is subject to maintenace in case of breakdown and finacial resources are available

Roads

Al mukhtar -

Al mukhtar -

Municipality

Pollution. High cost.

Annoying smells Diseases. Pollution.

Pollution because soil is absorbing

Waste water treatement is an additional cost for the families



Discharge through tanks



Sewage through cesspools



Very bad condition

Very bad condition

Very bad condition

No network

No network

No network

Sewage

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but it is acceptable

Al mukhtar.

Al mukhtar

Municipality

Power is not always available.



The cost is average medium.

The cost is average medium.

The cost is average medium. 40 000 LBP for the private generators.

The power is 220 V from the governmental company of electricity.



Private generators

Power quality is medium. Available 12 hours per day.

Power quality is medium. Available 16 hours per day

Power quality is medium Available 16 hours per day.

100% of dwellings are connected to electricity network.



Electricity

Al mukhtar.

Al mukhtar.

Municipality.

No problems. It is better to install th network underground.

No problems

No problems

Cost is medium

Cost is medium

Cost is medium

Problems occur sometimes.



There is a cellular phone network in the community

There is a cellular phone network in the community

There is a cellular phone network in the community.

Maintenance in case of breakdown.



The official network. 20 dwellings.

The official network. 4 dwellings connected.

The official network. 45 dwellings connected.

Telephone

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4. Economy 4.1 Agriculture Agriculture is the main economic activity in the Loubieh cluster; nearly 180 households consider it as their main source of income. The total surface of the cluster is estimated at 4573. Lands are divided to:

1. Arable lands. 2. Non arable lands. 3. Agricultural uncultivated lands. The cultivated area in the cluster is about 2980 dunums, and there are 775 dunums of non arable lands and 818 agricultural uncultivated areas. Olive cultivation is the common cultivation between the communities of the cluster; it covers 1600 dunums of the cluster in addition to the citrus. As for green houses, they are only in Loubieh community. Crops are distributed as follows:

Table 5 distribution of crops in the cluster

Type Cultivated area Annual production

Average of working households

Olive 1600 dunums 7500 tanks 210 households Citrus 430 dunums 1150 tons 90 households Green houses 100 dunums 1200 tons 15 households Vegetables 159 dunums 700 tons 50 households Field crops 450 dunums 300 tons 30 households

Some households work in the production of more than more crops per year. In Loubieh cluster, there is some agricultural equipment such as:

5trailers, 4 pickups to transport the products, 1 combine harvester and a quern for grinding grain. There is also an olive mill in al Kounyterah community. The marketing of the agricultural products happens through local marketing or by sending products like citrus to the market (locally called al hesbeh). As for olive, it is marketed locally and in some villages and in

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some neighbor villages. The unsold products reach more than 1650 olive tanks. The local economy relies mainly on public and private sectors employees, and the agriculture represents one of the main affluent for the local economy. Employees work in agriculture after work. 4.1.1 Agricultural sector problems

Due to the deterioration of agricultural situation and the limitation of marketing, the whole sector suffers from a general deterioration summarized as follows:

No agricultural guidance The cultivation of traditional crops The farmer is not capable of investment in alternative cultivations. There are no agricultural cooperatives. The chronic neglect from the government, the loss is estimated at

100 million LBP per year. This amount increases in case of natural catastrophes or when there is shortage in the production, because olive production can be unstable, good crops are produced once every 2 years.

the difficult access to fields the high cost of labor force the shortage of specialists Production tools like fertilizer, grain and electricity are expensive. The absence of a permanent marketing during the whole year. Local crops are not capable of competing with other imported

products.

4.2 livestock In the Cluster, There are 24 poultry animal breeders; the livestock is distributed as follows:

Table 6 kinds of livestock in the cluster

Type Number goats 2600 heads Sheep 600 heads cows 170 heads poultry 15 000 poultry heads

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4.2.1 Problems of livestock sector The main problems of the livestock sector are:

The difficulty of marketing The decrease of animal products prices The increase of the prices of fodder The high cost of veterinary care The absence of guidance, agricultural and veterinary pharmacies The absence of the cooperatives The absence of fabrication

4.3 commercial and industrial sectors The Loubieh community encompasses the majority of the commercial and industrial activities. In kounayterah there is only one olive mill and two grocery shops. In khzeiz, there are no commercial or industrial activities. In loubieh the economic activity could be distributed as follows:

Table 7 distribution of economic activities in Loubieh

Activity type Number

Furniture padding 1 Iron shaping workshop 1 Grocery 10 Scrap and gifts 2 Seeds Shop 1 Bookshop 1 Bakeries 3 Butchery 2 Restaurant/ cafe 1 Gasoline station, lubrification and car wash 1 Entertainment centre

1

Hair cut salon 4 Computer and internet centre 2 Total 30

In addition to some artisan skills such as handcrafts, wax, hay …

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4.4 economic reality Characteristics concerning Loubieh community The community is famous for its residents competence and skills in the field of bread fabrication, most of bakeries that were on the coastal road from Tyre to al Ouzei were invested and managed by Loubieh residents. In this sector 500 workers from the community worked which made it the main source of income. Like in al khodor community people from the community were working outside the community and then go back to it. But with highways establishment between Beirut and the South, the decrease of traffic on the coastal road where bakeries are, the development of bread fabrication and the mechanization of ovens, the number of worker in this field decreased gradually so the residents think of one of these directions:

1. Enhance and develop commerce, free business and jobs in public and private sectors.

2. The animation of work in agricultural sector by introducing new and different kinds of crops according to the demand.

4.4.1 Distribution of income Here is a table of workers in the cluster

Table 8 distribution of workers in the cluster

Total number of workers 550 persons Total of workers abroad 45 persons Public sector employees 51 persons Private sector employees 102 persons Unofficial workers 65 bakery workers

307 workers in free business handcrafts and agriculture.

4.4.2 Unemployment The number of unemployed from the labor force according to age: the unemployed people number is 508 persons

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Table 9 distribution of unemployed according to age and gender

Age portion Male Female Between 21 and 35 years

76 62

Between 36 an 64 years

42 328

Total 118 390

In the cluster there is no clear average of income, the monthly income varies between 400 000 LBP and 1 Million LBP according to the field work team. If we take into consideration the first average it is lower than the poverty line estimated at 507 000 LBP in the Caza of Saida and at 471 000 LBP nationwide according to the national strategy of development in Lebanon in 2005.

Table 10 the average of the income of the households

Household income average

Poverty line in Saida Poverty line in Lebanon

Between 400 000 LBP and 1 Million LBP

507 000 LBP 471 000 LBP

The average of workers per household is about 1 person.

Table 11 distribution of income sources in the cluster

Source\ average Work Transfers from

abroad Rental

95% 4% 0,3%

4.4.3participation Table 12 rate of participation in the work according to groups

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Loubieh cluster Group Women Youth Children

Rate 20 % 60 % 3% Sector Teaching,

nursing, different jobs.

Public sector, private sector, free business.

Different jobs, industrial work.

There are no technical or health obstacles that prevent the access of youth to the labor market except the deterioration of the economic situation and the distance separating the cluster from the city. Unemployment is expected to increase in the future. 5. Health services Health services, health situation the way of treatment vary between the communities that suffer in general from lack in health services The residents suffer from the following diseases: Diabetes Blood

pressure disease

Heart disease

Asthma Nerves disease

24 persons 30 persons 25 persons 27 persons 25 persons These diseases attack old people male and female. There are 7 cases of mental disability including 2 children, 4 hemiplegia cases one case of blindness, and one case of deafness. People go to neighbor hospitals in the caza centre and some dispensaries in surrounding villages

Al Sarafand hospitals (Aladin, Kharroubi) and they are 6 km away from the cluster.

Saida hospitalsb (Hammoud, Al Raii, Labib) and they are 20 km away from the cluster.

5.1 Distribution of beneficiaries

Ministry of public health 53% Army 4,6%

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Social security fund 40% Public employees cooperative

1,6%

There are no dispensaries, clinics, pharmacies or laboratories in the cluster. There are 2 doctors, 6 female nurses in addition to 3 male nurses and 1 laboratory specialist. There are no legal midwives and the deliveries take place in the hospitals, in this context, worth mentioning that there are no cases of death of new born. The family planning services are limited to some conferences. Some vaccination campaigns are conducted by charity organizations and ambulant dispensaries. Despite the quasi total coverage of the health services from the insuring companies, the cluster communities suffer from the absence of health care centers which enhance the urgent need to the establishment of a health care centre that provides the necessary health services and helps to develop health care. As for emergency cases, they are treated in neighbor hospitals. 6. Education and cultural sectors Education varies in the cluster that suffers from a total lack in educational and cultural services. There are no educational centers except in Loubieh community that encompasses a public primary school with 25 teachers and 209 students, distributed a follows: Table 13 distribution of students according to stages and gender

Gender Stage Male Female

Kinder garden 23 39 Primary 61 86 There are no vocational schools in the cluster, its residents they get their education in the public schools an in the neighbor schools. The total number of students outside the cluster is 384 students distributed on the surrounding schools. The university students are 77 students between Lebanese and private universities. The vocational students are 31 distributed between public and private vocational schools. And here is the table of illiteracy distribution according to age

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Table 14 distribution of illiteracy according to age Age Number Under 21 It does not exist Between 21 and 35 16 Between 36 and 64 52 Over 64 64 6.2school dropout Table 15 school dropout rates in loubieh cluster Age Number Under 12 years old It does not exist Between 13 and 16 years old 18 6.3students orientations after high school Orientation Number Universities 77 Vocational schools 31 Traveling 67 Quitting 5 During the academic year 2004 2005, 77 students registered in the university. Table 16 distribution of students on schools outside the community Schools Number of students Shamran high school 74 Al Takamol 16 Al Taahil al tarbawi 10 Kodmous 19 Al Mahdi 13 The academy 5 Mount Amel 5 Al Iman 7 Al Haydaryeh 6 Muhammad Saad 3 Dar Al yatim 5 Bayt al hikmah 3

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Al ghaziyeh school 50 Al maamariyeh school 32 Saida 9 Maghdoucheh high school 4 Saint Joseph school 1 Public surrounding schools and Beirut schools

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The educational situation can be evaluated a follows:

Buildings: good, in a good shape Equipment: a severe shortage in equipment especially In laboratory The educational staff: the staff needs training to cope with

educational and cultural development. Regarding the educational level: they focus on the educational

aspect and neglect other aspects such as sports, leisure activities, cultural activities, computer…

Foreign languages: severe weaknesses in foreign languages. The public school faces many problems like all public schools in the area and in Lebanon. But the existence of management and education cadres enhances the possibility of developing the school and getting the trust of parents back. This requires a great cooperation between all the cluster portions and the school; it also necessitates overcoming personal, familial and political conflicts. The municipality had recently provided some computers to the school. Currently, a study is being implemented, in cooperation with the ESFD group, about the need of computers. This study will be submitted to the office of the state minister of administrative development affairs in order to help satisfying the need of school and to provide necessary equipment and tools. It is worth mentioning that a building of a public school exists in kounayterah community but it is close, and it makes the schools going to neighbor schools seeking education. 6.4 Cultural situation in the cluster The absence of a culture and leisure infrastructures has a negative impact on the development of the cultural and leisure situation in the cluster. There is no library, nor a place to sell magazines and newspapers. No cultural activity is held in schools or in any other place except some concerts and few cultural activities held by some clubs in Loubieh and khzeiz communities. There are no entertainment and sports place for

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children, not even a public garden to play, which makes them play in the streets. The sports activities are limited to some playgrounds in Loubieh but it takes familial or political characters. The club playground is still closed. Recently, a private computer centre was inaugurated in Loubieh to provide internet services. 6.5 specializations and skills In the cluster there are a number of abilities and experiences

Table 17 distribution of skills in the cluster

Specialization Residing inside the cluster

Non resident

Medicine 2 4 Law 4 2 Engineering 4 10 PHD 1 3 Pharmacy 1 0 Journalism 1 0 Teaching 4 4 Nursing 1 1 Acting and directing 1 0 Translation 1 0 Psychology 1 0 Music 4 0 Management 1 1

7. Local administration in loubieh cluster

In the cluster, there is one municipality in Loubieh community and deputy representatives in Kounaytera and khzeiz. 7.1 municipal realities The municipality of Loubieh was established in 23 may 2004 it has 9 members including one woman. Municipal council meetings are held periodically or when it is necessary. There is one mukhtar in the community. Formalities are made in Saida, where the official bureau of registration. Municipal committees are as follows:

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1. Social committee :3 members 2. Environment committee: 3 members 3. Education and sports committee: 3 members 4. Agriculture committee: 3 members 5. Professions’ committee: 3 members The annual budget of the municipality reached in 2004 75 550 000 LBP and 125 759 000 LBP. In 2006 it reached 160 250 000 LBP. The value of independent municipal fund incomes had reached 45 200 000 LBP in 2004 and 45 597 000 LBP. The rate of tax reached 30% (about million LBP) due to many reasons such as:

The municipality is still young: it was the first time tax was collected.

There is no tax collector: some of tax payers come to the municipality to pay their taxes.

7.1.1 Implemented projects The most important projects implemented by the municipality:

The establishment of containers, the transportation and collection of wastes and to cleaning the roads.

The implementation of a census of dwellings and shops in the community.

Lighting the main and internal roads Enlargement and pavement of the main square road Building of a wall and sidewalks. Establishment of an agricultural road A project for the sewage of rain water Providing equipment for the municipality centre Training sessions for students and the assistance of the public

school by computers A project of knitting a carpet in cooperation with Al Saksakyeh

municipality and with the support of Lebanese Association of Disabled persons

7.1.2 Future projects

The enlargement of roads and the decoration of the entries of

the community. To overcome shortage in containers and to install trash cans Building walls

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Tree planting, sidewalks and decoration Sewage of rain water To support the public school

7.1.3 Municipal performance obstacles

Weak experience in management and planning Weak financial resources The municipality is still young and there are many demands and

main infrastructure is absent. The contradiction of the municipal council with some families and

political parties because of elections, it is treated by focusing on equality between all the parties and compositions of local community which prevent it from being brilliant in implementing projects.

The difficulty of funding an administrative system capable of satisfying the needs of residents and collecting tax from them.

7.1.4 Conclusion

For decades, Loubieh community was one of the poor agricultural communities, it relies on agriculture in which all individuals and households work. About 20 years ago 40% of Loubieh community residents acceded to the free business especially bakeries. However, this job began to deteriorate so the youth thought about two options: 1. Educations, commerce, free business and jobs in public and private

sectors. 2. The animation of work in agricultural sector by introducing new

and different kinds of crops according to the demand. 7.1.5 Municipal view to the partnership with ESFD Whereas the municipality is young and faces many needs in many fields and aspects in development, or in social, educational and sports assistance, whereas the financial resources of the municipality are weak and can not satisfy the growing need of the residents. Whereas the Lebanese government is not currently capable of ensuring the projects she could ensure before in all the villages, the partnership with ESFD funded by EU and Lebanese Government to satisfy the needs and support the community of Loubieh with development future projects contributing to resolve some of the problems of unemployment and poverty. On the other

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hand, the work with the ESFD and the appointed work group is a positive step especially by involving the local community with all its capacities, associations and parties. The plan adopted by the ESFD begins with th study of the whole community details and ends with the implementation and the supervision of the projects intended to be executed. Therefore, the municipality seeks the sustainable work with the ESFD in order to help it to implement projects that satisfy the needs, create new job opportunities and ensure a comprehensive development in the community. 7.2 Mukhtar council in konayterah The current mukhtar works in agriculture in addition to helping in executing administrative formalities he facilitate formalities for residents of the community in exchange of the support of his family and the residents without a wage because it is a part of common values in the community. Besides helping Al Kounayeterah residents in formalities, he wants to develop the community. 7.3 Mukhtar council in khzeiz The council was established in 1947, the mukhtar fills this position for the first time and he won unopposed and with consensus of all the residents of the community. He helps the residents in their administrative formalities and wants to develop the community and support it. Like the mukhtar of Al Kounaytera community, the mukhtar of Khzeiz doesn’t get any wage because it is a part of common values in the community. On the level of the cluster there are no problems with residents. The needs cans be summarized in all what can be useful to the communities and serve their interests.

Documents

The loubieh, kounaiterah, khzeiz cluster introduce themselves loubieh V.0 english.pdf · 1.5social tissue in loubieh cluster 1.5.1 Distribution of residents 1.5.2 Migration and exodus