During the Signing of Sarrah Electric Power Transformer Station Operation Agreement
Shtayyeh: Operating Sarrah Power Station is a Step towards a Comprehensive Solution for All Electricity Problems
Ramallah – The Prime Minister's Office: H.E. the Prime Minister, Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh said: "Operating Sarrah's power station, to the west of Nablus, is considered a step towards a radical, full and comprehensive solution for the issue of electricity in the north and in all of the governorates. However, the delay of operating this station was caused by the occupation."
This came during the signing ceremony of Sarrah Electric Power Transformer Station Operation Agreement between the Palestinian Electricity Transmission Company (PETL) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company, where Sarrah Power Station shall be operated under this agreement, and electrical power is to be sold from this station to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC).
In addition, the Prime Minister spoke to those who are gathered in the station site and extended his gratitude and appreciation for their commendable efforts. He also emphasized on the government's plan to solve all the problems of the electricity sector, until achieving the target of establishing a national electricity company to provide services to all people all over Palestine and to empower and strengthen the economic development.
The Prime Minister also explained that this step is an important achievement that contributes in empowering and enabling the National Electricity Transmission Company from managing the procurement, production and securing electricity to Electricity Distribution Companies on sound bases that ensure the sustainability and development of this vital sector.
The Secretary General of the Palestinian Council of Ministers, Dr. Amjad Ghanem, said in his speech during the signing of the agreement ceremony that: "This significant achievement and spectacular and one of a kind event comprises a strategic transformation point in the establishment of the matrix of the Palestinian electricity sector. Hence, this agreement came to light after intensive efforts made by our Palestinian President and by the representatives of the relevant institutions in order to achieve this file that has being pending for years."
Dr. Ghanem also added: "The government is continuing its hard work in the path of prosperity, building and economic progress, in which electricity is considered one of its cornerstones and pillars. Thus, the government is working on overcoming all obstacles in order to reaching an actual leverage in all aspects of life."
In addition, Dr. Ghanem demanded all relevant bodies and authorities to cooperate, collaborate and stand together to achieve the government's vision in establishing and independent and fruitful Palestinian electrical sector that benefits everyone.
Moreover, H.E. Eng. Thafer Melhim, the Chairman of the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority (PENRA), said: "Operating Sarrah's Power Transformer Station shall end the suffering of the people in the region that went on for years due to the deficit in providing electrical power. Consequently, operating Sarrah's power station will contribute in the gradual disengagement and breaking out from the occupation."
Dr. Ziad Jweiles, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Palestinian Electricity Transmission Company also said: "This agreement is a part of a series of agreements that are to be signed in the coming period in Hebron and Jerusalem, which, in return will provide the necessary amount of power to serve the distribution companies."
Lastly, Their Excellencies Eng. Mohammad Shunnar - Chairman of Board of Directors of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), Eng. Ahmad Ediely - Chairman of Board of Directors of the Palestinian Electricity Sector Regulatory Council, Eng. Hamdi Tahboub - CEO of the Palestinian Electricity Sector Regulatory Council, Dr. Shaker Khalil -Advisor to the Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Eng. Assad Sawalmeh - Director General of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company, Eng. Nash'at Abu Baker – Director General Of The Palestinian Electricity Transmission Company (PETL) and board members of NEDC, PETL and PENRA, all have attended the signing ceremonies of the said agreement.