Qatar has commenced the provision of natural gas supplies to Syria, a move aimed at addressing the country's severe electricity shortages. The supplies will be routed through Jordan as part of a significant deal, signed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This effort seeks to alleviate the power crisis that has plagued Syria since the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad in December.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Qatar Fund for Development, led by Fahad Hamad Hassan Al-Sulaiti. It is a response to the dire state of Syria's infrastructure, which has been ravaged by more than 13 years of civil war. The electricity shortage has caused widespread power cuts, severely impacting several cities, including the capital, Damascus.
"This initiative represents a pivotal step towards meeting the Syrian people’s energy needs and reflects a shared commitment among all parties to work together for the benefit of the region," said Fahad Hamad Hassan Al-Sulaiti.
The agreement outlines the distribution of electricity to numerous Syrian cities, including Rif Dimashq, As Suwayda, Daraa, Al Qunaitra, Homs, Hama, Tartous, Latakia, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zur. These cities have been grappling with persistent power cuts, adding to the challenges faced by Syrian civilians.
Since its inception, the initiative has been regarded as a crucial lifeline for Syria's interim authorities, who have struggled to provide consistent electricity amid ongoing challenges. The collaboration with Jordan and the UNDP underscores a regional commitment to improving living conditions in Syria.
The Qatar Fund for Development's role in this initiative highlights Qatar's active engagement in regional humanitarian efforts. By leveraging natural gas supplies as part of this agreement, Qatar aims to bring much-needed relief to Syrian cities suffering from prolonged electricity shortages.
