Aisha, a 60-year-old resident of crater zone in Aden city, finds herself staring at the wall clock, eagerly anticipating the restoration of electricity to her home. It has been over 12 hours since the power outage began. This daily ordeal has taken a toll on Aisha and all the people living in the districts of Aden province in southern Yemen. The government's unexplained silence towards this issue, which only worsens year after year, adds to the frustration and suffering which becomes particularly unbearable during the scorching summer season.
Aisha, the elderly woman, has found herself utterly helpless as she battles the scorching temperatures amidst the relentless power outages. In an attempt to find relief, she recently took the costly step of purchasing solar panels, despite her family's challenging financial situation. With a household of twelve to support, Aisha strives to find a breath of fresh air to alleviate the suffocating heat and a glimmer of light to illuminate her home. These measures are necessary to escape the oppressive darkness that engulfs her city and residential neighborhood in Crater for prolonged periods of time.
Alternative solar panels
"We have grown weary of the countless excuses and justifications from the government regarding the electricity service in Aden. Every year, as summer arrives, the system consistently collapses, leaving us without any real solutions to this ongoing problem. It has drained us and compounded our daily struggles. As a result, we have been left with no choice but to rely on solar panels". These words carry the weight of immense suffering as we, the residents of Aden, describe the dire situation of our electricity system and the consequences it has brought upon us. Our lives have become an unbearable ordeal, akin to the scorching heat and record-breaking temperatures of summer.
Moreover, Aisha, in her conversation with "Khuyut," further elaborates on the deteriorating state of the electricity service. She expresses deep concern for her own well-being and the well-being of others who suffer from chronic illnesses. The worsening electricity service poses a significant risk, particularly in the face of extreme heat and high levels of humidity. These challenging conditions greatly compromise the health and safety of individuals in Aden, making their daily lives even more difficult and precarious. It is clear that urgent action is needed to improve the electricity service in order to ensure the overall safety and well-being of the community.
The elderly, children, and those suffering from chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the sweltering summer heat exacerbated by the lack of electricity. Their suffering is amplified as they endure these challenging conditions, despite promises of a cool summer. Meanwhile, concerned parties lament the government's inability to provide sufficient fuel supplies to fully operate the "Al-Rais" power station amid the lack of sufficient crude oil and diesel, which hinders the activation of the remaining 200 megawatts at the station, further delaying its service.
In an interview with "Khuyut," citizen Mohsen Saleh, a resident of Sheikh Othman in northern Aden province, confirms the ongoing hardships they face due to increasing electricity outages. He believes that this situation is orchestrated by unseen forces to deprive them of one of the most vital services. Moreover, they have also suffered a significant loss of other essential services they used to rely on. This highlights the harsh reality of deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate basic services, demanding urgent attention and rectification from the relevant authorities.
Mohsen added, saying, "We go through long hours anxiously awaiting the return of electricity to our homes, amidst the intense heat and high humidity. This often compels us to venture out into the streets with our children, searching for a cool breeze. This tragic scene leaves us in a constant state of worry, especially for the elderly and children who are more susceptible to health issues due to the extreme heat. We are in desperate need of improving the current situation and ensuring a stable electricity service to guarantee the safety and comfort of the city's residents."
Government's Failure
Nawar Abkar, the Director of Media at Aden Electricity, confirmed in a statement to "Khuyut" that the current demand for electricity has reached 680 megawatts and is expected to reach 730 megawatts. However, the available generation capacity is only 280 megawatts". He said. Nawar also mentioned that 200 megawatts are currently out of service due to a shortage of fuel for the "Petromasila" power station, also known as the "President Station," located in Al-Sha'b City. As a result, there is a deficit of approximately 300-400 megawatts, leading to the deterioration of the electricity system.
Nawar Abkar further elaborated that the internationally recognized government has faced challenges in providing an adequate supply of fuel to fully operate the "President Station". Additionally, they have been unable to secure the necessary crude oil and diesel to activate the remaining 200 megawatts of capacity at the station and integrate them into the power grid.
He also emphasized that the electricity problem in Aden has persisted for years, but the current situation is unprecedented, with a significant increase in the duration of power outages compared to the past.
Further, the Director of Media at Aden Electricity, strongly believes that the electricity situation in Aden will continue to deteriorate in the future. He emphasizes the urgent need for immediate and long-term solutions to address this issue. Nawar highlights the importance of implementing cost-effective and efficient power generation stations that utilize gas, as well as renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. By adopting these solutions, the growing demand for electricity can be met, and the strain on the power grid can be alleviated. This will ultimately result in a more sustainable and reliable energy supply for the people of Aden.
Recently, the Public Electricity Corporation in Aden has been tirelessly advocating for the government's urgent intervention regarding the pressing issue of fuel supply for the power generation stations. Despite their persistent efforts, it appears that their appeals have been largely ignored, resulting in the near-total collapse of the electricity system. This dire situation has placed the residents of Aden in extremely challenging circumstances, negatively impacting their daily lives. It is of utmost importance that swift and decisive measures are taken to address this problem and restore a reliable and sustainable electricity supply to the city.
Permanent electricity problem
Social activist Saleh Al-Alwani, in an interview with "Khuyut," expresses that the discussion about the suffering of the people of Aden with electricity is ongoing. However, the essence of the matter is that there are entities that do not want this city to emerge from this crisis. Many promises have been made regarding resolving the electricity problem, but unfortunately, those promises have had no tangible impact in reality".
Saleh Al-Alwani's statement highlights the frustration felt by the people of Aden regarding the prolonged electricity issue. Despite numerous assurances and pledges, there seems to be a lack of genuine progress in improving the situation. It appears that certain influential forces are hindering the city's efforts to overcome this crisis.
Indeed, the suffering of the residents of Aden due to the electricity problem has reached unprecedented levels. The frequent power outages persist throughout most of the day, while empty promises continue to be made. It is disheartening to see that the cycle of suffering remains unchanged, with each passing summer and season. Comparatively, neighboring provinces also face deteriorating electricity situations, but their conditions do not resemble the state of the internationally recognized temporary capital. The disparity in the electricity provision between Aden and other regions adds to the frustration and highlights the urgent need for immediate and effective action to address this pressing issue. The residents of Aden deserve better, and it is high time for tangible solutions to be implemented to alleviate their suffering.
Saleh Al-Alwani further emphasizes that "summer in Aden is at its harshest, with power outages constantly increasing. There has been a dismal failure from all responsible entities, including the government, the transitional council, and the presidential council, who have shirked their obligations towards this city that was once free from darkness." He expresses deep disappointment in the significant failure of these responsible parties. Aden relied entirely on electricity and did not experience the problems of darkness and continuous power cuts.
It is worth noting that the citizens in various districts of Aden Governorate are suffering from a severe deterioration in the electricity service. The power outages have reached more than 12 hours compared to only two hours of power supply per day! This is due to a severe shortage of fuel, which has burdened the people and added significantly to their daily struggles. It is distressing to see the citizens of Aden enduring such difficulties, particularly considering the already challenging economic and living conditions they face.
Seasonal Hell & Despair
Maryam Mohammad, a resident of the Khor Maksar area in Aden, shared her perspective on the annual suffering experienced by the city's residents. She expressed that there seems to be a recurring pattern where each summer brings even worse conditions than the previous one. The extremely high temperatures exacerbate the already difficult circumstances, leaving the residents desperately searching for any respite, whether it be a ray of light or a cool breeze to alleviate the heat that has taken a toll on their bodies.
The intense heat has caused various issues for the residents, including burns, skin rashes, and infections. It is disheartening to witness the physical consequences of the harsh weather on the people of Aden. Their bodies bear the marks of the heat, further adding to their overall suffering.
Maryam affirmed that "the elderly, children, and those suffering from chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the scorching summer heat and the lack of electricity. This has greatly multiplied their suffering. Despite empty promises of a cooler summer and the government's silence regarding this ongoing crisis, the citizens are left wondering: When will politicians finally take action and rescue the people from this living hell? Or have their wealth and comfort blinded them to the plight and suffering of the citizens?"
The recent angry nighttime protests in various districts of Aden Governorate have been a clear expression of frustration and discontent among the residents. The deteriorating electricity service and the prolonged power outages, surpassing 12 hours while only providing two hours of operation, have ignited these protests. It is disheartening to witness the silence and disregard of the internationally recognized government in the face of these pressing issues.
The residents of Aden have reached a tipping point, as their daily lives are greatly impacted by the unreliable electricity supply. The prolonged power outages disrupt their routines, hinder economic activities, and cause significant discomfort in their daily lives. It is understandable that they have taken to the streets to voice their grievances and demand immediate action from the authorities. The internationally recognized government must acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and prioritize the restoration of a stable and efficient electricity service in Aden. It is their responsibility to address these concerns and work towards finding sustainable solutions that meet the needs of the residents. Ignoring these protests will only deepen the divide between the government and the people, further eroding trust and exacerbating the already tense situation.
In conclusion, it is evident that the summer in Aden Governorate this year has been plagued by frequent and prolonged power outages. The impact of these disruptions has been deeply felt by the residents, leading many families to make the difficult decision to abandon their homes and seek refuge in hotels with air conditioning. Others have sought solace and respite from the scorching heat and high humidity by visiting the beaches. It is crucial for the relevant authorities to address these ongoing power outages promptly and effectively. Long-term solutions must be implemented to ensure a stable and uninterrupted electricity service for the residents of Aden. Providing reliable power supply is essential to alleviate the hardships faced by the community during the summer months and restore a sense of normalcy in their lives.
