Industry, Logistics & Shipping

ABB backs infrastructure rebuilding efforts in Beirut

ABB, a leading global technology company, is speeding up efforts to rebuild the critical infrastructure in Beirut following the devastating explosion in the Lebanese port city in August. The focus is now on ensuring a reliable power supply and restoration of critical services.
 
Following the devastating explosion in the port of Beirut, Lebanon, in August, which saw loss of life and many vital services impacted, rebuild efforts have picked up pace as ABB donates products and solutions to secure the power infrastructure.
 
Major hospitals and a school in Beirut will receive products and solutions from ABB to restore and accelerate reconstruction efforts as the city rebuilds its civil society, said a top official. 
 
"As a company that supports building safe and sustainable communities in the countries in which we operate, it is our duty to provide impactful support to help rebuild the infrastructure in Beirut, ensuring a reliable power supply for these critical services," remarked Mike Mustapha, Head of Global Markets for ABB Electrification. 
 
Working with ABB’s local partner, Harb Electric, the product donations will include a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) System for each hospital, along with various smart power equipment and energy distribution solutions, he added.
 
Several public buildings including 159 schools and several hospitals were damaged or destroyed in the blast that occurred on August 4. More than 6,500 people were injured, while the homes of 300,000 people were damaged or destroyed.
 
The UPS and smart power components will be supplied as a holistic solution from ABB to future proof the electrical and power infrastructure of the hospitals in the event of blackouts.
 
The infrastructure will also feed all critical loads from operating theatres and rooms with power sensitive equipment including X-ray machines, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and respirators.
 
ABB donations of electrical equipment and systems will also go to the Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui – UMC and the Quarantine Government Hospital, which continued to tend to the sick and injured despite damages to their structures.
 
ABB said many of the components will also be used in a school to fit and replace the ageing electrical infrastructure which was almost completely destroyed in the blast. 
 
ABB smart power and distribution components will assure safety of the electrical supply from source to switch, providing a secure and comfortable environment for pupils and teaching staff in time for the next school year, it stated. 
 
Harb Electric CEO Hussein Harb said: "We are proud to be ABB’s partner, particularly during such times of need, where the company steps up and provides for communities. The Lebanese medical sector is in deep need of these hospitals to fight the pandemic." 
 
"This great initiative will help the hospitals recover and resume operations and play their much-needed role in helping local communities, curing people and saving lives," he added.-TradeArabia News Service