Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. Photo: Samoa Government
Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has announced a 30-day state of emergency for the main island of Upolu which has been plagued by power blackouts since February.
A fault in the underground cable between Fiaga and Fuluasou caused a blackout in Upolu last month, with another failing, leading to further repairs and three key generators failed, reducing power generation.
The state of emergency declared this morning is effective until 29 April.
Fiame said it allows the government to implement measures to manage the energy supply, protect public health, and maintain essential services.
Large electricity generators will arrive from overseas on 5 April as a temporary solution, with permanent generators expected in August.
In a press conference on Monday, Mata'afa said the economic impact of the crisis is estimated to cost up to 16 percent of Samoa's GDP.
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