A Multi-Functional Municipality for the Service of the People

As Chargé of International Relations for the Municipality of Jdeideh-Bouchrieh-Sed and Founder of the Lebanese Municipal Agenda, I find it crucial to shine the light on the Jdeideh-Bouchrieh-Sed Municipality and its Mayor, Mr. Antoine Gebara.
An utterly optimistic man who is dedicated to the community, Gebara’s open and inviting approach is evident through the interactions of the municipal council, and the manner in which the municipality is staffed, with each employee assigned his/her appropriate function, with one priority in mind…servicing the inhabitants.
Around the bustling roundabout in the heart of Jdeideh-Bouchrieh-Sed stands the municipality building, where one cannot but be in awe of the conveniences that were put in place to ease the everyday lives of the staff members, inhabitants and visitors.
Erected in 2010, the spacious premises enjoys plenty of natural light due to the building’s large panoramic windows. A secure parking lot facing the municipality building is available for the comfort of visitors, who find it difficult to find an available parking spot around the famous Jdeideh clock tower.
A building entirely financed and funded by the municipality, the premises houses a medical center with wheelchair accessibility whereby patients can consult with doctors of various specialties and disciplines and have access to top of the line medical equipment and procedures for a minimal charge. Volunteer physicians are placed on a rotational schedule to cater to the needs of the patients at the center round the clock.
The vastness and openness of the premises is an indication of the welcoming and helpful nature of the municipality employees. I especially admired the fact that every staff member I met has a specific role in the municipality that he/she is accountable for, and the discipline and organization of the staff was apparent.
In addition, equipped with an amphitheater that includes a state-of-the-art sound system, the theater is available for use by any party who requests it for conferences, workshops, concerts or plays, free of charge, and for non-profit purposes. A spacious events room is also available for receptions, dinners, or round-table discussions. 
As I was walking through the grounds, I could not help but notice how essential safety and security are to the mayor. Every floor is equipped with fire alarms, first extinguishers, security cameras, as well as daytime and nighttime guards.
This multi-functional municipality aims at providing services to the citizens of the area while maintaining their comfort and ease in interacting with the municipality for their affairs. In light of this, Gebara has many more upcoming projects and plans to cater to the people of the community.
In a nutshell, I have visited plenty of municipalities over the span of my career, and I can say in all transparency, that this is the ideal municipality in terms of set up, discipline, transparency, and services rendered to the public.
Chapeau, Mayor Gebara!