PM on induction meter

Friday, 21 September 2012 18:49

Lanuola Tusani Tupufia

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Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is still using induction meters at his compound at Ululoloa despite calls from him to abandon the old system and switch to cash power.

This was confirmed by Acting General Manager of the Electric Power Corporation Taule’ale’ausumai Funefeai Malolo Aumalaga Tiotio yesterday.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer Taule’ale’ausumai agreed that not all the houses at the Prime Minister’s compound are on cash power.

“There are a lot of houses at his residence (at Ululoloa) and some of them are still on induction meters,” he said.

“I cannot confirm how many houses are on the reading meter.”

The Acting GM was asked after a letter to the editor raised concerns about Tuilaepa not leading by example by being on a cash power meter.

Written by True Citizen of Maagiagi, the author was disappointed that “the Prime Minister is still on induction meter while the country and its citizens were asked to switch to cash power meters,” it stated.

It also alleged that Tuilaepa “is also blessed by receiving monthly free electricity units under “Electricity Subsidy”.” (Turn to page 14 to read the full letter)

It was not possible to get a comment from Tuilaepa as he has left the country yesterday.

When asked why all the Prime Minister’s houses weren’t fully on cash power Taule’ale’ausumai said he was unsure.

He said there are issues in installing cash power with other families.

Asked to elaborate he said some families have requested to stay on induction meters because of medical cases.

“There are exceptions especially for those who have medical problems and need the supply of electricity for the patient at home all the time.

“I’m not sure if the Prime Minister is one of those people who asked for readable meters but in the end, all those families will still have to have cash power installed.”  

As for the “electricity subsidy” Taule’ale’ausumai declined to comment.

He said he was not fully aware of the “free electricity units” and only the General Manager Tologata Lupematasila Tagaloatele Tuilaeali’ifano, who is on the Board that would know.

The General Manager is not in the country.  

But according to Taule’ale’ausumai about 60 to 70 per cent of the country has already changed to cash power meters.

He said this is a positive sign and the Electric Power Corporation hopes to have every family of Samoa on the new system before 2016.

The cash power initiative introduced in 2008 is one of EPC major projects under Power Sector Expansion project.

The project is to have everyone to change to cash power meters by 2016.

Meanwhile with the village of Maagiagi, Taule’ale’ausumai said installment of cash power meters are in progress.

He said they are yet to hear the outcome from the government and the village meeting that discussed the possibilities of compensation.