Aren’t we consistent? We consistently vote for a leader to represent us and take our voices to the parliament. We are consistently disappointed because what those leaders had promised never comes.

One of those promises is for better infrastructure: better roads, better water supply, and better power. In the last few weeks, we have come to realise that the state of the nation’s power and water infrastructure needs a lot of work and investment.

We have suffered three blackouts that had Upolu without power and yet we did not have any politician or parliamentarian question the power supplier or the minister responsible for why have we failed to invest in infrastructure. Where have we gone wrong?

Why is it that none of our elected representatives have failed to question the power company? It is simple, the ruling party’s promise of discounted electricity rates has done more damage than good. Yes, Samoans are paying more for electricity than any of our closest neighbours. Over the years, none of the governments in power failed to invest in renewable energy sources.

When they did, they struck themselves in the foot. For the last few years, the Electric Power Corporation has failed to make a profit and yet the people are told otherwise. If they did, then there would have been investments.

If the EPC was able to sustain itself, we would see more renewable energy projects. For example, solar grids can be set up in every village to power up to 100 homes, yet the EPC and the government look to foreign investors to set up grids and then buy power at a higher price and then resell at a lower price. It is also concerning that the hydropower schemes are not working. We now know that we are heavily dependent on fossil-fuel-powered generators that are overworked and there is a need to get more as the electricity demand has gone up.

Electricity is a cornerstone of modern society and powers nearly every aspect of our lives, from households and businesses to industries and government services. Therefore, a robust and reliable electricity supply is critical for a country’s development and prosperity. A good electricity supply is essential for a nation.

Yet, surprisingly, we are not seeing investment in the energy sector. A reliable electricity supply is a critical driver of economic growth and development. It powers industries and businesses, enabling them to manufacture goods, provide services, and carry out transactions. For instance, reliable electricity is a prerequisite for high-tech industries and data centres that require consistent power to function effectively. It also allows businesses to operate beyond daylight hours, improving productivity.

Reliable electricity improves the quality of life for citizens. The past week has sent some back into the dark ages. Electricity powers homes, making various activities such as lighting, cooking, heating, and cooling possible, and using electronic devices like televisions, computers, and smartphones. A stable power supply is also crucial for operating critical household appliances such as refrigerators, which store food and medicines.

A good electricity supply is vital for healthcare facilities, ensuring the operation of life-saving medical equipment, maintaining cold chains for vaccines, and powering lighting for surgeries and other procedures. Furthermore, reliable electricity improves public safety by powering streetlights, traffic signals, and surveillance systems, and it enables rapid communication during emergencies.

Electricity is indispensable in education and research. It powers schools, universities, and research institutions, enabling the use of digital technologies for teaching, learning, and conducting research. It also facilitates online learning, which has become increasingly important in the modern world.

A reliable electricity supply fosters technological advancement and innovation.

A good electricity supply is essential for a country’s economic growth, quality of life, health, safety, education, research, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement. Ensuring a reliable electricity supply should therefore be a priority for our country. As the world grapples with climate change and energy security challenges, efforts to build resilient, efficient, and sustainable electricity supply networks have never been more critical.

We know this and yet instead of stepping into the future, we are stepping backwards. We need to get our power supply game in order.