Bassil: We Will Not Remain Silent over Zahrani Power Plant Shutdown
Energy Minister Jebran Bassil condemned on Monday the shutdown of the Zahrani power plant, describing it as an attack against state institutions.
He said during a press conference: “We will not remain silent over the incident.”
He stressed that the shutdown incurred major losses for Electricite du Liban and the country’s economy.
Such a power outage was unprecedented and it did not even take place during the civil war, the minister remarked.
Bassil noted that the shutdown was not motivated by political or sectarian goals.
He explained that the 40 megawatt transformer belongs to Sidon, while the 20 megawatt transformer belongs to the Zahrani area.
The power plant was shut down on Friday in protest over the transportation of a 40 MVA power transformer in the plant from Zahrani to Sidon, said Electricite du Liban.
Furthermore, Bassil criticized political officials’ demands to him that energy be provided to their respective areas of control.
“We are obligated to tackle the people’s demands on a daily basis. We cannot resolve the energy crisis when we are overloaded with petty political demands,” he added.
The minister thanked Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s efforts to resolve the shutdown, hoping that politicians translate their statements over the energy crisis into actions in order to end the problem.
“I urge the security authorities to hold those responsible for the shutdown accountable for their actions. Remaining silent over the incident is a crime,” he said.
In addition, he urged the security authorities to protect the power plant from future incidents.
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