SHUTDOWN OF POWER STATION IN GAZA

**Energy and Natural Resources Authority in Gaza announces full shutdown of Gaza power station.** (Photo: PIC)

Gaza, 15 Jumadil Awwal 1436/6 March 2015 (MINA) – Energy and Natural Resources Authority in Gaza announced full shutdown of Gaza power station on Wednesday night.

It attributed the closure to the lack of fuel and explained that the Qatari grant to supply Gaza with fuel along with the money transferred from Electricity Distribution Company for fuel purchase finished a few days ago, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The Authority said, in a statement on Thursday, that it cannot afford the costs of the taxes imposed on Gaza power station fuel which are estimated at 137% of its original price.

The Authority affirmed its willingness and responsibility for the purchase of fuel through monthly money collection of the Electricity Distribution Company under the condition of the removal of taxes on fuel in order to avoid a humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

The Energy and Natural Resources Authority in Gaza said “the power station will not be operational unless this just demand of tax removal is answered”.

The Authority also revealed that the power deficit in Gaza reached 70% after the shutdown of the power station while there is no such crisis in the West Bank.

The Authority called on the government and all competent authorities along with Palestinian factions to support this demand. It also called on the Palestinians to set aside political bickering and take a clear stand toward this humanitarian issue. (T/P011/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)