Nahhas Says Cabinet Will Overcome Electricity Crisis on Wednesday

Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas expressed his confidence on Monday that the cabinet will overcome the dispute on the electricity crisis “safely” during a session at the Baabda Palace.

“Prime Minister (Najib Miqati) proposed his scientific approach for the electricity crisis based on the available capabilities and latest technologies,” Nahhas told Voice of Lebanon Radio (93.3).

He noted that Finance Minister Mohammed al-Safadi is keen to support the solution that he finds more adequate regarding the crisis.

Al-Safadi, who is loyal to Miqati, had joined Change and Reform bloc Minister Jebran Bassil in opposing the premier’s approach to the electricity crisis.

“Everyone is interested in resolving the electricity crisis swiftly… The logic and public interest will eventually prevail,” Nahhas stressed.

He announced that the cabinet delayed the rehabilitation of al-Zahrani and Zouk power plants until the end of the summer “in order to allow (officials) to further examine the tenders and available alternatives.”

“The only right place to tackle the power-generating vessels is the cabinet… The strong rhetoric will not lead anywhere,” Nahhas told LBC.

The premier said in a report that the establishment of the power plant takes a year and would cost maximum 480 million dollars for at least a 25-year service, while Energy Minister Bassil’s proposal suggests that the two companies that won the tenders to provide power through ships would cost the state around $1 billion for a period of five years without the expenses of the fuel oil.

Bassil and al-Safadi allege that Miqati reduced the role of the ministerial committee tasked with finding a solution to the prolonged electricity crisis, which according to them could have reached a decision to resolve the issue.