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Arab Times
16 hours ago
- Arab Times
Criminals Steal and Damage Copper Conductors in Jahra Area
KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The Deputy Public Prosecutor has ordered the registration of a felony case following a report filed by a representative of the Ministry of Electricity concerning the theft and extensive damage to high-value copper electrical conductors. The prosecutor also instructed the General Department of Criminal Evidence to dispatch technical experts to examine the crime scene and collect any forensic evidence that may assist in identifying the perpetrators. According to official details, a Kuwaiti citizen born in 1988 appeared at Al-Qashaniya Police Station, presenting a formal mandate from the Ministry of Electricity. He reported that a technical fault had been detected in the ministry's power lines, prompting a team of engineers to be dispatched to the site located on Abdali Road, at kilometer 73 in the direction of Jahra. Upon arrival, the technicians discovered a major act of theft and sabotage. Unknown individuals had stolen and vandalized copper conductors of significant length and value. Specifically, the thieves cut and damaged 280 meters of 100 mm-thick copper conductors, part of a total of 865 meters of cabling affected. Additionally, 649 meters of the same type of copper conductors were found damaged. The assailants also broke and destroyed five wooden utility poles, each 11 meters in height, along with all attached electrical components and accessories. The total market value of the stolen and damaged materials was estimated at 5,270 Kuwaiti dinars. Following the report, the Public Prosecutor's office confirmed the case would be treated as a felony. An official inspection report was filed, and criminal investigation officers have been assigned to begin a full inquiry into the incident.
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt lays foundation stone of 1st solar power plant in Djibouti - Foreign Affairs
Officials from Egypt and Djibouti laid the foundation stone of the first solar power plant in the village of Omar Kaji in Djibouti's Arta region on Wednesday, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. The ministry said the step aimed to deepen energy cooperation between the two countries. The project is being implemented through a partnership between Egypt's Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy and Djibouti's Ministry of Energy. The Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) provided financial support, and the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) participated in technical execution. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the project's launch follows President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's directives after his official visit to Djibouti in April, underscoring Egypt's commitment to strengthening fraternal ties with Djibouti. The launch ceremony was attended by Dr. Younis Ali Gedi, Djibouti's minister of energy; Major General Mohamed Osama Issa, deputy minister of electricity and head of the Central Administration at Egypt's Ministry of Electricity; senior officials from the AOI; and local authorities from the Arta region. The Egyptian embassy in Djibouti was key in organizing a preparatory visit by a high-level Egyptian delegation from the Ministry of Electricity and representatives from several energy firms from 15 to 17 June. During the delegation's visit, both sides emphasized the strategic importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the electricity and renewable energy sectors. The Omar Kaji solar power station marks the first joint energy project between Egypt and Djibouti. It is expected to serve as a model for further collaboration as discussions are underway to expand Djibouti's national power grid and upgrade the wind energy station in the Ghoubet region. Officials from both sides described the project as a milestone that reflects shared goals in sustainable development, energy access, and South-South cooperation. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iranian gas decline threatens dark summer in Iraq
Shafaq News/ Iraq faces a growing risk of nationwide electricity shortages as Iranian gas supplies plunge, after Israeli strikes targeted Iran's energy infrastructure, a lawmaker warned on Monday. Diaa Hindi al-Husnawi, MP for Karbala, reported that falling gas imports are already reducing power supply across central provinces and pressed the government to activate emergency measures. 'People don't care about geopolitical tensions—they need electricity to survive the heat,' he told Shafaq News, calling the outages intolerable. Iraq depends on Iranian gas for nearly one-third of its electricity generation, importing up to 45 million cubic meters per day. These volumes are vital during the summer, when national demand often exceeds 32,000 megawatts, and a prolonged disruption could cut output by as much as 8,000 megawatts—triggering widespread blackouts, according to analysts. The conflict, which escalated on June 13, has seen Israel target multiple Iranian energy assets, including pipelines, refineries, and transmission infrastructure. With Tehran's capacity under strain, its ability to sustain exports has been severely reduced, leaving Iraq's energy system exposed. Al-Husnawi faulted the Ministry of Electricity for failing to implement contingency plans despite repeated warnings, highlighting that long-promised alternatives—such as grid integration with the Gulf, Jordan, and Turkiye, as well as solar and gas capture projects—remain largely unfulfilled. 'The solutions exist, but delays have rendered them meaningless in crisis,' he said, urging decisive, depoliticized action. 'This is no longer just a technical issue—it reflects systemic dysfunction and political inertia.' Iraq's power grid also suffers from chronic inefficiencies, including technical losses exceeding 30% and a lack of strategic gas reserves. Experts warn that without urgent reforms and diversification, the country will remain vulnerable to external supply shocks.
Egypt Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt signs 6 agreements to accelerate renewable energy
CAIRO – 15 June 2025: At the Development Finance to Foster Private Sector-Led Growth & Jobs conference, the Egyptian government inked six major agreements with international development partners and private sector players, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy and economic growth. A key highlight was the financial closure of the Obelisk Solar Power Plant, a flagship project by Norway's Scatec, featuring 1 gigawatt of solar capacity and 200 megawatt-hours of battery storage. With an investment of $600 million, the project is part of the Ministry of Electricity's emergency energy expansion plan and contributes to the energy pillar of Egypt's NWFE (Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy) program. The conference also saw the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement for the Shadwan Wind Project, another Scatec-led venture located in Ras Shukeir, Gulf of Suez. The project will deliver 900 megawatts of wind energy and bring in approximately $1 billion in direct foreign investment, further supporting Egypt's clean energy agenda under NWFE. In a third major step, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) partnered with AMEA Power of the UAE to finance Egypt's first utility-scale battery energy storage facility, integrated within the Abydos Solar Project, another key NWFE initiative. Beyond energy, agreements were signed to expand private sector support through the Hafiz platform. The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development signed an MoU with the Federation of Egyptian Banks to improve access to financial and technical services for local businesses. Additionally, a €21 million investment grant was signed with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to advance Egypt's Sustainable Green Industries Project. Rounding off the agreements, Minister Rania Al-Mashat signed a cooperation deal with 12 representatives from chambers of commerce, business associations, and the Federation of Egyptian Industries to scale up engagement with Hafiz and strengthen support for entrepreneurs and industrial leaders across Egypt.
Arab Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait clocks high gov't employee turnout after Eid Al-Adha holiday
KUWAIT CITY, June 10: As the Eid Al- Adha holiday ended on Monday, most government sector employees -- with few exceptions -- resumed work in ministries, agencies and government institutions on Tuesday. While attendance and absence rates varied from one sector to another; a noteworthy observation was that attendance was significantly higher than absence -- even higher than in previous years. Some sources estimated the attendance rate at 75 percent of the workforce. They suggested that the reason behind the increase in government attendance rates could be the decisions issued to enhance discipline in the sector; including the mandatory third fingerprint or known as the 'flexible fingerprint', which began implementation in mid-August through a resolution from the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Sources pointed out that the absence from work and 'closing the week' phenomena are now at their lowest rates, compared to the situation before the implementation of the aforementioned resolution. Sources said this proves the effectiveness of the resolution; which has contributed to regulating attendance at work, promoting the value of commitment and optimal utilization of working hours, and preventing some people from dropping out of work. Sources also confirmed that most absences were due to sickness with medical certificates, emergency leave or regular leave; indicating that some ministries and agencies -- particularly those with a service nature and interact with the public -- naturally experience high attendance under all circumstances, especially since the holiday is preceded by clear and specific instructions regarding the necessity of being present after the holiday and regulating employee attendance. Despite the commitment of most employees to resume work, the newspaper noted some complaints about what they considered 'short vacation period'. Nevertheless, a joyful atmosphere prevailed in many offices and corridors; where Eid greetings were exchanged, sweets and dates were distributed, incense was burned, and Arabic coffee was served. Employees also spent their breaks discussing details of their vacations and the best restaurants and markets they visited during the Eid holiday. Following is a closer look at the situation in a number of ministries and government agencies: The corridors of the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy in South Surra witnessed an influx of employees who gathered around the fingerprint machines since early morning on Tuesday. Fingerprints were taken easily and conveniently, given the availability of fingerprint machines in many locations in the ministry. Sources from the ministry indicated that employee attendance rate was around 75 percent in various sectors, departments and divisions; disclosing the absences are due to sick leave or regular leave. Sources confirmed that the ministry is keen on ensuring the presence of employees in order to avoid the disruption of workflow in the ministry and at its external locations; particularly the customer affairs offices, given the nature of work at these offices and their interaction with the public. Sources said this is in addition to electricity and water production plants, which require the presence of employees during summer. Sources stated that there are clear instructions for regulating workflow in the sectors and controlling employee attendance during shifts in sectors, departments and technical divisions, including electricity and water emergencies and the hotline that receives reports on power outages and malfunctions. Sources added the ministry is preparing to launch initiatives to enhance compliance and discipline. Meanwhile, Director of the Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Social Affairs Fatima Al-Salama revealed that the attendance rate of employees after the Eid Al-Adha holiday reached 50 percent. She said work is underway to monitor job discipline and a gradual return to full performance in various sectors and departments. She affirmed that the ministry is committed to ensure the continuity of service provision despite the low attendance rate on the first day after the holiday. She emphasized that there is direct follow up by administrative leaders to ensure the employees' commitment to resume work and carry out their tasks in accordance with established regulations. She added the ministry is working hard to provide an encouraging work environment and it is preparing to launch a number of initiatives in the coming period to enhance commitment and discipline, as well as raise the efficiency of job performance to achieve the goals of the ministry in serving the community. She stated that the ministry puts importance to job commitment, as it is the foundation of the success of any service institution. She disclosed that the remedial steps include gradual administrative procedures to ensure regular workflow, achieving quality and speed in meeting the needs of citizens and expatriates who benefit from the services of the ministry. On the other hand, the courts at all levels (criminal, civil, commercial, personal status) and the Public Prosecution in all governorates resumed full operations on Tuesday. According to reliable sources, attendance at the Ministry of Justice and the courts reached about 70 percent; with judicial and administrative departments operating at full capacity to receive clients and deliberate on cases in the court docket. At the same time, prosecutors in the governorates resumed receiving reports, conducting examinations of detainees and conducting patrols, with urgent complaints being given priority. Moreover, Ministry of Interior employees resumed work in all departments and service centers throughout the country. Employees at the Residency, Nationality and Passports Affairs general departments resumed work amidst remarkable commitment and high spirits to complete transactions efficiently and quickly. Departments and centers witnessed a high turnout of employees, reflecting their commitment to complete transactions and facilitate procedures for citizens and expatriates. The ministry previously announced that the Nationality and Passports Affairs General Department would receive women whose citizenship was revoked from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm during the Eid Al-Adha holiday; and would handover around 4,520 out of a total of 7,730 passports. The department worked at full capacity to handover passports to these women and facilitate their status adjustments within the specified period. Also, on the first working day after the Eid Al-Adha holiday, the work schedule of officials and employees at the Ministry of Oil, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and its subsidiaries proceeded normally, with no reported absences, especially since oil sector employees usually work during holidays and other occasions, given the nature of the sector. Sources stressed that 'the system implemented by oil companies and approved by KPC does not permit or accept laziness at all.' They explained that despite the provision of facilities and privileges to employees in the oil sector, there are regulations on accountability in cases of unexcused absence. They added 'the nationals working in the oil sector are up to the task and possess high professional capabilities.' As usual, the Ministry of Health was not affected by the absence of its employees on the first day after the Eid Al-Adha holiday. Ministry employees resumed work in various sectors and departments; particularly those working in hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and related technical departments, including laboratories, radiology and others. Sources confirmed to the newspaper that the smart fingerprint attendance system played a significant role in ensuring employees adhere to official working hours, as doctors and administrators are keen to be present at work at the specified times.
