Due to the embargo against the Shehba Canton imposed by the Damascus government for more than 9 months, fuel has run short and public services, mainly generators providing electricity, have been halted and countless problems have emerged in all areas of life.

The Environmental and Regional Administration of Afrin and Shehba Canton announced on April 27 that they would reduce the hours of electricity and water supply as fuel has run short. One day after the announcement, electricity was completely cut off.

A DANGEROUS SITUATION

Most of the power lines were damaged by the mercenary groups controlling the region. 76 diesel generators were therefore installed to provide electricity in villages and the refugee camps in the region.

Speaking to ANHA, Mihemed Şêxo, Co-Chair of the Environmental and Regional Administration of Afrin and Shehba Canton, warned that the embargo posed a danger to the lives of citizens in the region. Şêxo added that water supplies and bakeries may also be stopped in the near future.

According to Şêxo, if the embargo continues, the service of 174 vehicles that distribute water and drinking water to citizens may be halted.

Waste collection vehicles that used to serve twice a week now collect garbage once a week due to lack of fuel. Waste collection may soon be halted, too.

This situation poses a threat to the environment and health of citizens with the arrival of summer and lack of water, very likely to spread diseases such as cholera among the people of the region.

2023 PROJECTS SUSPENDED

Şêxo revealed that they have not launched their 2023 projects so far due to the embargo.

The Environmental and Regional Administration of Afrin and Shehba Canton was planning to introduce several projects to improve the service quality in the canton. These projects included digging water wells, repairing ruins, constructing sewer systems and increasing the number of diesel generators.