Power outages gripped parts of Savaii on Monday and this was followed by low water supply in some areas. This happened as students sat for the national exams.

It was reported that power went out near Itu o Tane College. The Samoa Secondary Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and Samoa National Junior Secondary Certificate (SNJSC) exams went on despite the infrastructure giving up. 

Teachers from Itu o Tane College had raised the issue of power failures with the Electric Power Corporation.

According to reports, an hour after the exam began, the power went out which had a terrible effect on the students sitting the exam. In particular, because it was raining heavily, the entire room was dark.

Teachers were searching for solar lights to light up the classrooms so that students could take their tests. 

However, the school continued to administer the National Exams despite the power interruption. 

Samoa Water Authority had issued a warning on its social media page. SWA stated that the water supply service to Salimu, Saasaai and parts of Saipipi was temporarily disrupted due to maintenance work on the main pipeline by the Authority. 

It is believed that the college has an independent water supply.

A few weeks ago, Savaii residents were facing issues with the power supply. A new generator purchased recently developed issues. 

The residents described the government's failure to explain the reasons behind the regular power outages as "disappointing," especially because the Minister and Associate Minister both represent Savai'i districts.

Residents questioned their involvement and urged that they should promote these issues because local MPs were elected by their constituents, who deserve representation.