Palestinians are presently fully dependent on Israel for their electrical power. However, the Palestinian Authority is planning an independent power grid in central Gaza Strip which will be financed by an American-Palestinian consortium, according to AFP news agency.
The decision has been made years ago with the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994. The $100 million power plant was supposed to be completed last November, but the plan was halted with the rise of the Palestinian intifada which began in September.
Israeli authorities stated that they would deliver the electrical turbines that are to arrive today, August 23, to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Power shortages in the Gaza Strip continue, nonetheless, as Israel supplies a mere 80 percent of total power demand. The Palestinian Energy Authority stated that presently each neighborhood in the area is without power for at least two half-days a week, in addition to the arbitrary blackouts.
Palestinian industry minister Saad al-Krunz told AFP “Israel is selling Palestinians electricity at the most expensive price in the world, but then also encourages the cuts so we cannot use the power in the most optimal manner.”
For the meanwhile, as the political turmoil and instability rises in the region, Palestinians will have no choice but to continue life with severe electrical outages. — (Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
