Aleppo is witnessing a notable disparity in public service provision, with some neighbourhoods seeing modest improvements while others continue to face deterioration. Despite being the first province brought under the control of the Department of Military Operations late last year, the city’s overall service levels have not significantly advanced compared to other parts of the region. Nonetheless, slight progress has been reported in key sectors such as electricity, water, and transportation, an encouraging sign, even as serious challenges persist.
Many Aleppo residents believe that the four months since the Department of Military Operations assumed control is not enough time to expect substantial changes in public services.
Mustafa Genidi, a local resident, told +963 that the city’s services had gradually improved over the past month. “Services have improved significantly compared to my first visit a month ago, especially in electricity and water,” he said, “but the situation still needs more time to fully develop.”
Genidi noted that electricity availability has become acceptable relative to previous conditions, though he emphasized the need for further improvements to fully meet the city’s commercial and public service demands.
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Improved Electricity and Security
Many residents believe the situation in Aleppo has improved significantly following the fall of the ousted regime. Faris Dawara, a local resident, told +963 “Electricity supply in the city now ranges from five to six hours per day, which is acceptable given the country’s current challenges”.
While acknowledging this progress, Dawara noted that further improvements are still needed. He also pointed to a noticeable improvement in security, crediting the nightly deployment of public security patrols with enhancing overall safety across the city.
Discussions about electricity and water availability are a daily topic among Aleppo residents. Many believe these sectors have seen notable development since the new government took over. Kenan Mansour, another resident, said, “During the time of the ousted regime, electricity was only available for about two hours a day. Now, we get between six to eight hours, which is a very significant improvement”.
Mansour also highlighted improvements in traffic flow, citing recent efforts to regulate roads and the increased presence of traffic police as contributing factors.
Service Sectors Still Need Improvement
Despite gradual progress in essential services like electricity, water, and transportation, complaints persist regarding the continued deterioration in certain neighbourhoods. Speaking to +963, Mohammed Haritani said, “Electric service remains weak in some areas, with electricity available for no more than two hours a day. This causes significant hardship for residents”.
However, Haritani praised the recent reduction in electricity prices, calling it a positive step that could help ease the burden on citizens. He emphasized that such measures could bring long-term benefits.
“The international sanctions imposed on Syria are the main reason for the decline in both the service and economic sectors,” Haritani added. He said the sanctions have frozen many vital areas of the economy, including essential services, which has had a severe impact on the quality of life in Aleppo.
Haritani stressed that the service sector in Aleppo requires more substantial support from the new Syrian government, especially considering the difficult circumstances the country is facing under the weight of international sanctions.
Despite ongoing challenges, many residents remain cautiously optimistic. There is growing hope that electricity, water, and transportation services will continue to improve and eventually meet the population’s needs in full.
