The Union of Labor Syndicates and Workers in Northern Lebanon, in cooperation with labor unions, employers, and civic committees in the city of Tripoli, held a sit-in in front of the Northern Lebanon Water Authority behind the Tripoli courthouse to protest the disruption of water and electricity services.
The president of the union, Shadi Al-Sayed, delivered a speech criticizing the visit of the Minister of Energy and Water, Walid Fayad, to Tripoli. He stated, "Tripoli has suffered from electricity outages for a long time while various areas in Beirut and elsewhere receive this power. Many patients are unable to even obtain the oxygen they need for their health due to the severe rationing."
He added that the political team managing the Ministry of Energy has failed miserably in handling the energy and water issues in Lebanon, particularly Minister Fayad, who has not provided any area in Lebanon, especially Tripoli, with fairness regarding the power supply.
He also discussed the issues facing the oil facilities in Tripoli, accusing Minister Fayad of "trying to shut them down and prevent them from operating." He warned that if this policy of the Ministry of Energy continues regarding electricity, the northern union activists will confront Minister Fayad until he reevaluates his approach and dealings with the electricity supply issue.
He urged Tripoli’s MPs to "act effectively in a city deprived of electricity and water."
