The residents of Barqa are dependent on farming as their major source of income. More than 85% of Barqa’s population depends on selling apples and peaches in order to earn a living. But the activities of as many as 450 farmers are hindered due to the scarcity of water available for irrigation.

That’s why they so desperately need a water catchment pond. Indeed, construction of the pond has already begun, as the Lebanese army has dug enough ground to store 20,000 litres of water. The empty pond is covered in the requisite polyethylene, which will keep the water pure when it collects in winter and spring. Local residents will also be able to access a further 8,000 m3 of water to be used for irrigation. This will allow farmers adequate resources for current agricultural areas in addition to a supplementary 400 dunums of irrigated land.  It is estimated, that once the system is complete, the increase in farming produce will generate 20% additional income.