Almotamar.net - Yemen minister of Electricity Awadh al-Saqtari has on Tuesday affirmed that Mareb Gas Power Station would be operating next July and expected to cover the present demand for power in Yemen which increasing by 10% annually.

The Minister has explained reasons why the first phase of the station was not put in service. The main of those reasons was that the Iranian company could not open a credit for the French company responsible for providing some supplies and that forced the ministry to cancel the contract.

The Minister pointed out obstacles in the area of Damashqa, Mareb province as well as hindering installation of pylons in Bani Husheish area by insurgents, adding that those problems had been surmounted and finishing all supplies would be by next June so that the 340 megawatt-capacity station�s first phase would be in operation next July to cover the 220 megawatt shortage.

The Minister also revealed an ambitious plan for tackling the existing need for electricity in four years time beginning in 2009-2012. Procedures are under way for the second and third stages with a total capacity amounting to 1000megawatt besides building of power stations working with gas including the station of Maabar-Hudeida, Aden- Belhaf.

The Minister�s statements came in an interview to be published by almotamar.net website and Al-Mithaq newspaper.