Power Blackouts Continue in Gaza, as a Result of the Israeli Siege

Repaired generator to mitigate Gaza power crisis

Published today 15:57 Gaza – Ma’an –

An Egyptian-repaired generator on its way back to the Gaza power plant will ease the “hours of blackouts” that roll through the coastal area, said power plant chief Jamal Al-Bardasawi Friday.

Following more than two years of Israeli-imposed siege and a 22-day war that pounded Gazan infrastructure, the Gaza power grid is in total disrepair with little prospect for necessary replacement equipment becoming available. According to UN observers Israel has maintained a near total ban on reconstruction equipment at the Gaza crossing points.

The generator was sent out to Egypt for repairs as a last-ditch effort to restore some generator capacity. Once re-installed the 70 megawatt per hour machine will “provide a noticeable improvement in services for Gazans, particularly residents of the area’s largest metropolis Gaza City,” the head of public relations for the plant said.

While the installation of the generator will require a two or three day power cut, long-term blackouts that often last days, will be shortened to rolling 4-5 hour dark periods in the morning and a second 5-6 hour power out in the evenings.

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