Compensation for households and businesses affected by recent power outages is being addressed under the newly declared State of Emergency (SOE) in Samoa, which will last 30 days. The government plans to waive tax and import duties on generators and other electricity-related equipment, including renewable energy systems, to facilitate quicker access for affected individuals and organizations.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa emphasized the significant economic implications of the crisis, estimating that the costs could amount to about 16% of the GDP for the 2025 calendar year. This includes disruptions to national productivity, public services, and overall economic activity. Despite this, public skepticism has emerged regarding the feasibility of securing and delivering generators within the SOE timeframe.
The Prime Minister stated that the SOE is crucial for implementing emergency measures aimed at managing the energy crisis, ensuring public health and safety, and maintaining essential services. She acknowledged the profound impact of the ongoing power outages on families and businesses across the nation.
In addition, the government is committed to providing extra support for households and businesses affected during this emergency period. To mitigate immediate challenges, two leased generators will arrive shortly, with plans for additional financial and technical support to assist the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) in longer-term recovery efforts.
The repercussions of the outages have included damage to household utilities, safety concerns for residential buildings, as well as risks to perishable goods in stores. Importantly, the government has allocated $10 million (approximately $3.5 million) for the procurement of new generators and spare parts to restore full operational capacity.
Though current conditions are challenging, the proactive steps being taken by the government and EPC to address these issues should offer a sense of reassurance to the affected communities. As efforts continue to restore power supply and provide necessary support, there remains hope for an effective resolution and a return to normalcy in the near future.
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