JIZAN: Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has restored power to 102 villages in Jizan that suffered infrastructure damage during the border conflict with infiltrators from Yemen two years ago. “The remaining villages will be reconnected by the end of this week,” said Hassan Atoudi, a senior SEC representative in Jizan. “The high-power line network has been completely restored, and 26 electricity pylons and 7500-meter-long power lines have been replaced.” Officials said that 12 SEC service teams had been working “non-stop” to ensure the network is up and running and ready for the imminent return of displaced families. “Villages will have all electricity lines installed and operational,” Atoudi said. “I would request residents to inform us should they come across any malfunctions.” Prince Muhammad Bin Nasser, Emir of Jizan, previously instructed that all homes in the region be ready for the homecoming of their inhabitants by mid-July and many villagers along the border region started returning last week following the completion of rebuilding work and renovation. The thousands of inhabitants displaced by the security conflict, which erupted late 2009 around the town of Al-Khouba, have since been living in government-provided accommodation across the country.
