SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 29 March 2024, Friday |

Sidon residents react to skyrocketing fees imposed by private generators

Sara Chehadeh, Sawt Beirut International (SBI) reporter, has conducted a poll in Sidon after the southern city’s residents were informed that fees imposed by private generators have increased. A 5-ampere subscription is now for 320,000 Lebanese pounds, which means that a 15-ampere subscription is roughly for one million LBP.

One citizen said “subscription fees have gradually swelled from 75,000 up to 250,000 LBP,” adding “if they continue to increase, I won’t be able to pay the bill.”

“Owners of private generators and the state are colluding with each other,” he said, lashing at the Lebanese citizens “who do not claim their rights.” He added that the country is heading towards a phase where everyone will have to close their businesses.

“May God help the poor! Some families are sharing the 5 amperes for the sole purpose of lighting up their houses without being able to turn on a fan or a refrigerator,” a jewelry shop owner said.

“We must also pay attention to the rationing of electricity provided by private generators as well. There are students who have exams, and electricity outages mean that the internet is cut off and there’s an inability to keep studying online, and that’s another problem.”

He also pointed out that the subscription fee differs from one region to another.

Another man who owns a grocery shop said “there is no electricity, water, money or gasoline,” adding “no one, neither a state nor a municipality, is standing with the people.”

    Source:
  • Sawt Beirut International