NNA - Caretaker Minister of Energy and Water, Walid Fayyad, said today that the losses in the electricity and water sector have reached approximately $400 million, divided between the additional cost of rapid relief, infrastructure improvement services in displacement areas, and financial losses due to insufficient bill collection.

He stressed, in an interview with the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation, that "reforms require a ceasefire and then investments," adding that "some reforms are very costly."

"Electricity provides the treasury with about $40 million per month on normal days, while today, during the war, there is a loss of about half the value," he explained.

Fayyad indicated that the disparity in electricity supply between one area and another is due to technical reasons and not production capabilities. 

He also disclosed that there are about a year and a month of suspended bills in terms of collection, noting that his ministry is cooperating with the "Electricité du Liban" to accelerate the pace of collection in areas that allow for that.

Fayyad also indicated that "UNICEF has taken upon itself the responsibility of securing water for shelter centers.

He added that the Iraqi fuel support is an assistance that falls within a commitment to a long-term strategic operation, noting that the Egyptians have expressed a desire to help, as has Algeria, which has provided a donation in this regard.

"Iraq renewed the text of the agreement with Lebanon for a fourth year, and this matter ensures stability at the energy level. The Iraqis are ready to implement the crude oil project, and Electricité du Liban needs a money transfer to increase electricity production," Fayyad maintained.

==========R.Sh.