Electricity problems on Nukulaelae
By Silafaga Lalua
Electricity consumers on Nukulaelae island are facing a lot of problems with electricity and have been for two weeks.
Leata Loleni reported from the island that 18 hours of normal electricity use had been cut down to 7 hours, from 1in the afternoon to 10 o’clock at night.
The problem is due to the shortage of diesel on the island.
Loleni stated that because of this shortage, several areas are affected like medicine in the clinic, electrical goods for individual families, freezer and refrigerator goods in the Fusi, while Kaupule workers could not work on their computers since this happened.
MV Manufolau that was supposed to leave last Saturday evening did not due to problems with its crane. Uale Sinapati Ag Director of Marine and Ports told Tuvalu news the seals for the crane are worn out.
Public Works Division is currently repairing it, and news say it is expected to be fixed tonight.
The vessel will then be ready to leave Funafuti tomorrow afternoon. Sinapati stated that if it is not fixed by tonight the vessel might leave without a crane.
It is paramount at this stage to transport the urgently needed fuel to the island and bring back students who areto start school very soon.
Tuvalu Electricity Corporation responded that the island’s load of fuel was loaded onto the vessel last week the quicker the boat gets to Nukulaelae, the better the situation.
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