Al Emadi reveals Qatari efforts to end electricity crisis in Gaza

GAZA: Ambassador Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi, Chairman, Qatari Committee for Reconstruction of Gaza Strip, said talks by Qatar continue to solve the power crisis in Gaza by providing a 100 MW generator within seven to eight months.

Opening the first phase of Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Residential City and touring the reform and rehabilitation centre in Khan Younis, Al Emadi said the panel has initiated contacts with international firms to provide the generator. He said the ending of the first phase of the project is a milestone as the second strategic phase was handed over to Gazans after handing over 1,000 residential units to families whose homes were demolished.

He said contracts for $40m projects will be signed next week and include projects in the field of infrastructure, roads and residential houses as part of Qatar";s strategy to alleviate the suffering of the Gazans.

Al Emadi earlier stressed Qatar";s commitment to implementation of all projects in Gaza by Palestinian construction companies and through recruiting local manpower and local suppliers.

During a meeting with officials from the Palestinian private sector, trade unions, professional associations and institutions, he said: 'We will not use foreign companies in implementation of our projects in Gaza and we will rely on local suppliers to provide these projects and needs through the purchase of local products and provide jobs for large numbers of Gazan in related sectors.

Earlier, Al Emadi said Qatar will provide $500 to every deaf graduate of Islamic University in the conclave.

Speaking at the commencement of a class of deaf students at the university, he hoped that the students will graduate to make beneficial contribution to their society.

He said Qatar continues its support since the visit of Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to Gaza in October 2012. Some $620m was paid, of which $407m as grant, $60m as wages, $80m for power generation and $33m to provide basic needs to Gazans after the war.

QNA