"Energy and Water": The Situation of Electricity in Lebanon is Not Hopeless

The media office of the Ministry of Energy and Water issued a statement saying: "Certain known governmental circles persistently and falsely accuse us every time we bring in a fuel ship according to the proper procedures and in accordance with public procurement law, after receiving the government's approval to finance the implementation of the current emergency electricity plan, which mainly aims to increase electricity supply hours, alongside raising the tariff which benefits Lebanese citizens by saving them over 40 percent of the price of private generators." The statement added: "We reiterate and confirm that all documents and decisions are shared, approved, and sent to all relevant parties in accordance with the applicable regulations and laws with full transparency and credibility. As for the claim that the electricity situation is hopeless and the promotion of this via certain media known for their affiliations and biases, this is misleading; in fact, it is more than that - it raises suspicion and is also unrealistic and completely inaccurate. The evidence is that supply hours have increased and will further increase if there is cooperation from all relevant parties after bringing in the ships. The emergency plan has proven effective and successful in terms of collection and reducing waste, among other aspects." The statement continued: "In addition to all of the above, the quantities of fuel available are sufficient for less than a month according to the Electricité du Liban (EDL), which is the concerned authority. Are we to exhaust the existing quantities and reach complete blackout, or is the aim to ensure the necessary sustainability, especially in light of the scarcity of fuel quantities and the difficulty of securing them globally, not just locally?" It continued: "From here, we are almost certain that the intention to ensure the sustainability of electricity for citizens is absent, and the obstruction is evident, as is the distortion of facts through certain biased media. We reiterate that our first and ultimate goal is to secure electricity for citizens, which is their right and not a favor from anyone. If some do not believe that there are those who work transparently, away from any deals or suspicions, that is their problem; enough with the bickering each time, and let us focus on the supreme national interest, away from political disputes and narrow interests." The statement concluded: "We hope that these bickerings do not continue and that we move towards work and fruitful cooperation for the greater good of the country and the benefit of the citizens."