Noureddine Bouterfa: “Give us ZDZ 800 million or raise the electricity price”

General Manager of Sonelgaz, Noureddine Bouterfa, shows a black picture of the company’s financial situation, as he said that it is unable to complete the electricity scheme that extends to 2017 without the benefit from the state’s aid, which is 800 billion dinars.

“Our plan includes a financial envelope that is equivalent to 2,000 billion dinars, we provided 1200 billion dinars currently, and we need 800 billion dinars. We hope the state will give up this sum”.

Bouterfa asseted, on Monday evening, in response to Echorouk question, on the sidelines of a ceremony to choose the winner of the contest “The industry and the development of entrepreneurship in Algeria”; “Financial position of Sonelgaz is bad because of the low pricing of electricity. Electricity pricing increase is a political decision, and we are not qualified for it, but the higher authorities have two choices, either through raising the price of electricity or give us the financial assistance that we ordered, and which is equivalent to 800 billion dinars.

“Negotiations are continuing with the Finance Minister. Sonelgaz is waiting for reply, but currently there will be no increase in the pricing until reaching a real solution to the situation in coordination with the higher authorities, while I take the opportunity to reassure citizens about the summer season, as there will no electricity interruptions in the supply of electricity network, as the necessary precautions were taken to ensure a calm Ramadan and summer season. Stations are safe, and supply would be sufficient without any problems, and the other stations are in the process of completion and will be delivered soon.”