BEIRUT: Energy and Water Minister Nada Boustani Tuesday announced the start of efforts toward creating a national water strategy, set to be finalized by the end of the year.

Boustani said at a news conference that her ministry had tasked five Lebanese consultancy companies specialized in the water sector to draw up a road map for improving water supply, sanitation and irrigation.

According to UNICEF, which is the main funder of the plan, access to drinking water declined from 57 to 35 percent between 2004 and 2009, and since 2000, only 8 percent of wastewater is treated.

Boustani also called on all Lebanese citizens to assist the ministry by ensuring they pay their water bills and by not polluting or infringing on water channels or reservoirs.

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