Safadi Opposes Miqati, Supports Bassil’s Power-Vessels Project
Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s opposition to the leasing of power-generating vessels was a point of contention during Wednesday’s cabinet session as Finance Minister Mohammed al-Safadi expressed disapproval of his decision to halt the project, local newspapers reported.
According to An Nahar newspaper published on Thursday, Safadi, who is loyal to Miqati, voiced support to Energy Minister Jebran Bassil’s project expressing a point of view contradicting with that of the premier.
“I am not convinced with PM Najib Miqati’s opinion. I support Bassil’s project,” Safadi said during the session held at the Grand Serail.
He stressed that “no one can take the decision solely when it comes to this matter.”
Safadi noted that any decision should be taken by the committee tasked with finding a solution to the prolonged electricity crisis.
“Or else we should terminate the work of this committee,” he said.
The committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday. However, its members might not convene due to the sharp differences between Miqati on one side and Bassil and Safadi on the other.
Two companies, Turkish and American, had won the tenders and are expected to cost the treasury over $1 billion, around $400 million for the rent and $500 million for fuel prices.
The premier openly opposed the project, saying that he had a third offer from another company that could cost less.
According to Bassil, this summer would be harsh on citizens if the project was blocked for the power outages are expected to increase as Zouk and al-Zahrani power plants need serious rehabilitation. But the premier considers that those vessels will not produce more electricity as they will be a partial option.
Lebanon has long suffered from electricity outages because of shortages at its power plants whose maximum capacity is less than 1,500 megawatts but the country’s actual need exceeds 2,300 megawatts.
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