Beirut - Lebanon's ongoing power outages on Monday sparked
protests in Beirut's southern suburbs, which is mostly inhabited by
Hezbollah followers and where daily rolling power outages have
reached up to 20 hours in some areas.
The protestors burned tyres and blocked roads leading to the
capital's southern suburbs, calling on the leaders to stop 'the
political bickering and help the people of Lebanon.'
'The residents have taken the streets to express their indignation
and outrage at the authority's practices and unfair distribution of
electricity,' a young man in Mushrafiyeh said.
The protestors were chanting slogans denouncing the western-backed
government of Premier Fouad Seniora and some figures from the anti-
Syrian majority and called for electricity to their areas to be
restored.
Lebanon's state-run power company Electricite Du Liban (EDL) has
been a cause of concern for many Lebanese citizens due to its poor
service and financial losses. EDL constitutes a major problem for the
state as well, having contributed significantly to Lebanon's national
deficit.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that in 2005,
government support for EDL amounted to 4 per cent of its gross
domestic product (GDP).
At present, frequent power cuts remain the norm in Lebanon. The
country's generating capacity has fallen behind demand levels; EDL's
current output is around 1,250 megawatt, while peak demand often hits
1,800 MW. EDL also lost 500 million dollars last year amid
allegations of corruption.
Privatizing EDL has been on the state agenda for years, but has
been held up for political reasons.
According to official sources, almost 60 per cent of EDL bills are
not collected. In addition, close to 50 per cent of electricity
generated by EDL is not even billed; it is estimated that tens of
thousands of people receive free electricity by illegally tapping
into power lines.
In the southern suburbs of Beirut - a stronghold of Hezbollah -
over 80 per cent of electricity consumers do not pay. Those who do
not enjoy such political protection, on the other hand, are forced to
pay heavily for electricity.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur 
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