The public is frustrated over the ongoing power outage in Upolu. The power outages have been blamed on ageing infrastructure and increased demand for power.

One woman blames the power outage at the hospital for the death of her grandchild.

Luaipou Sefo Leo of Seesee said the painful effect of the power outages was losing her premature grandchild, baby Miracle. 

“My complaint is that we lost our baby Miracle to this outage. My daughter told me that the day that the power went off, our baby Miracle passed away. The hospital also lost power on that day. But it shouldn't happen, they should have their power supply. We just finished burying our baby last week, I believe that is the most painful effect of this power cut on me and our family,” she said.

“For me, I don't blame the employees of EPC, I blame the minister. They are now focused on arguing with one another and not doing something about this power outage. This is new. Our light bulbs are not working and the meat in our fridge has gone bad. But I will never blame EPC because they are working tirelessly to restore power to the community. 

"The outages are ongoing now for two weeks. This never used to happen. There is so much happening with this government, if we look at our hospital there are a lot of challenges there, now it's reached this where babies are dying, and even our medicines have run out. There are a lot of challenges in our country.” 

A father from Toamua Uta, Ioane Tanoese said his family was not concerned about the power outages but he acknowledged the hard work of the EPC.

“The sad part for me is in the evening time when we are preparing our meals and suddenly the power goes off. So we tend to use our torches to have dinner and fix our beds but in terms of our electrical appliances, we are all good. We need to be alert that when the power goes off, you switch off all power," he said.

"That could prevent your appliances from being damaged. I don't mind the power outages, the only problem is that if we have meat in the fridge and the power gets cut off unexpectedly, it takes a long time to come back on. Then the meat will go bad, and it will be a waste of food and money. 

"I also feel for those who are working to restore the power, we should also be mindful that they are working, and they need to be safe as well in case someone gets electrocuted.” 

A mother of six from Aele, Pu'apu'a Fotumanaia Satuialii said the biggest challenge was her childrenʻs education.

“I feel very sad. I have six children and it also affects my children's homework as well as ironing their uniforms. I don't want them to go to school with wrinkled uniforms. But yes, its really sad because my children's homework is affected," she said. 

"And when the power cuts during night time, my young ones are really scared of the dark so I try my best to comfort them. But I do acknowledge the work done by those working on the power lines.”