Theo: ‘Gov’t. stalls new generator purchase as people sit in darkness’

PHILIPSBURG--The purchase of a new generator to stem the severe onslaught of widespread power outages in recent days has been stalled by the National Alliance (NA)-led coalition, leaving the people of the country “to sit and wait in the dark,” said United People’s (UP) party leader Theo Heyliger on Tuesday.

Heyliger has learned that utilities company GEBE’s Supervisory Board of Directors has approved the buying of a much-needed generator to help regulate the power supply in the country. “But, instead of being helpful, the National Alliance, whose leader loves to talk about the people, and its Coalition of Eight partners have decided a study is needed before the generator can be acquired,” he said.

“Business at the start of the high tourist season is hampered by the constant outages and residents are struggling to complete regular tasks without electricity,” said Heyliger. “These things don’t seem to bother the National Alliance. It’s all about power for them; power play, that is.”

The entire economy depends on a proper and stable power supply, Heyliger said. “A stable power supply is as important as a stable government that understands the needs of the people it serves. It is obvious this current government does not have a clue how to take care of the community.”

The livelihood and comfort of the people should always come before a power play, he said. “If GEBE needs a new generator and it will remedy the situation, then that’s the path to be taken and to be taken quickly.

“GEBE has been struggling with various power-generation and related issues for more than two weeks now. Similar struggles were experienced by the company in early October and intermittently in November. Each time GEBE has hiccups, residents have to endure inconvenience,” he continued.

A country-wide power outage due to “issues with the water cooling system” occurred on Tuesday. Philipsburg was almost paralysed, with cruise ship passengers unable to visit a number of stores due to the blackout.

GEBE has been load-shedding for several days now, much to the chagrin of residents. Those interruptions in the supply of electricity were to end on Tuesday, but the problems with the cooling system hampered that progress.

The Daily Herald

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