Geagea to Aoun: Transparent Tendering is Solution to Electricity Problem

The solution for the country's chronic electricity problem lies in conducting a “clear and transparent tendering process,” Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said on Tuesday.

He was responding to remarks voiced earlier in the day by President Michel Aoun.

“President Michel Aoun's sympathy with people and his understanding of the magnitude of the electricity problem have caught my attention,” Geagea said in a statement.

“Mr. President, I fully share your opinion on the need to provide electricity in a temporary capacity pending the construction of power plants. As for the solution, it is very easy and I hope Your Excellency will personally endorse it, because this is the only way to achieve it,” Geagea added.

“The solution is to task the Public Procurement Management Administration (PPMA) with introducing the necessary amendments to the book of terms that had been devised by Elecrticite du Liban (EDL) and consequently carrying out a clear and transparent tendering process,” the LF leader explained.

He noted that the PPMA has “demonstrated, on several occasions, its technical professionalism and effectiveness as well as its full keenness on public money, transparency and uprightness.”

Geagea also pointed out that such a solution “can be achieved within a few weeks.”

Aoun had earlier in the day pressed the government to resolve the country's long-running electricity crisis.

“The issue of power ships was raised in the past and we heard a lot of responses. No one has said that Lebanon is obliged to rent ships but meanwhile no one has suggested an alternative source... I'm obliged to be frank with the Lebanese about this truth because I've promised them to be honest with them,” the president told Cabinet.

“All the previous debate has not led to a result. I want to provide people with electricity and I don't care how you get it done,” Aoun added.

Several government components have rejected a plan to rent power generating ships, citing cost and voicing concern over suspected corruption.

Chronic power shortages since the end of Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war have been a main source of grievance among Lebanese who have had to put up with daily cuts.