Thursday, August 14, 2008

Solomons Broadcaster Warned of Disconnection Over Power Debt

In a statement, Minister Huni'ehu said the debt crisis reached this point because SIEA's fuel suppliers are paid on a hand to mouth basis. He also said that the board and management of the statutory body have failed to effectively manage SIEA. He said from now on SIEA management will be accountable to the SIEA board, while the board is accountable to the mines and energy minister.

Amongst other management control measures, the minister said the SIEA management must collect outstanding debts owing to the authority and to take action against those who fail to pay up.

In a bid to collect bills, the authority have sent disconnection warning letters to clients, including national broadcaster SIBC. SIBC owes SIEA more than 325,000 dollars [assuming Solomons dollars, approx 46,000 US] in electricity bills since January this year.



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