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At the weekend, discontent spread throughout the town of Kfardebian over a mechanism described as discriminatory and non-transparent. This mechanism aims, ostensibly, to reduce traffic congestion on holidays, but it has resulted in some citizens being prevented from accessing snowy areas, whether by private cars or buses, while requiring entry “permits” that do not have specific standards.
According to information, cars and buses were prohibited from boarding the Al-Fardimiya area and high-altitude areas under the pretext of regulating traffic. But the alternative that was imposed was not an actual regulation, but rather appeared to be a direct coercion to use a private means of transportation belonging to certain parties in the region, at a cost ranging between 500,000 and one million Lebanese pounds per person. This turned a simple trip into a major financial burden, especially for students’ school trips.
In an incident that took place on Sunday, a scout group that had organized an educational trip to Kfardebian was denied entry, even though it arrived with six buses carrying families, children, and youth. The participants stated that the trip leadership was informed that entry was “forbidden without a permit,” and that allowing them meant allowing others, which forced them to return towards Batroun, which raised questions about the nature of the decision and its hidden reasons.
Here the question arises: What is this statement? Why is it required? Who is the entity that issues it? What are the criteria that determine its approval or rejection?
Does the Lebanese citizen have to obtain prior permission just to enjoy the snow on public Lebanese land?
If the goal is to regulate traffic and relieve congestion, the application must be general and fair, and not a policy of “people are forbidden, people are allowed,” nor impose a heavy financial cost as an indirect condition. What is currently happening is closer to a disguised monopoly system rather than just a regulatory measure. This raises questions about who benefits, the standards adopted, and who is directly responsible for implementation.
In light of this situation, attention is turning to the municipality of Kfardebian to address the matter and provide an official and clear explanation of what is happening, especially answering the basic questions:
What type of permit is this and how can I obtain it?
Is it a decision by the municipality, or by a security authority, or is it just personal diligence?
Is it acceptable to prevent Lebanese people from entering a public area based on financial and discretionary conditions?
Silence is no longer acceptable. The snow belongs to no one, and the road is not a special privilege. Traffic regulation should not be at the expense of people’s dignity and rights. If the goal is regulation, it should be for all citizens without exception, and without vague “permits” that are not announced in advance.
