Electricity to be restored to more townships in July: ASAC

By Admin 16 Jun 2023

DMG Newsroom
16 June 2023, Sittwe

Electricity supply to storm-hit townships will continue to improve next month, according to the junta’s Arakan State Administration Council (ASAC).

Electricity has been restored in Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships, and other townships will get electricity back at the end of June, said “Thikyarsaychin Ngwe Thazin”, the Facebook page of the ASAC.

“Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships will get electricity back in the first week of July,” wrote the Facebook page.

Many electricity poles were blown down by Cyclone Mocha in Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Pauktaw, Rathedaung, Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships on May 14, resulting in widespread power outages.

The blackouts have caused problems for businesses reliant on electricity.

“Businesses have been forced to use generators and solar power. It is good to hear that electricity will be restored in July. It has been such a hassle cooking with firewood. As there is no electricity now, streets are dark at night and people are mugged. We are concerned for our safety,” said administrator U Nyo Tun of Myoma East ward in Maungdaw.

While people are struggling to repair their storm-damaged houses, power outages are taking a toll on people’s daily lives.

Motorbike taxi driver U Khaing Myo Oo of Rathedaung Township said: “My motorbike was damaged in the storm and it needs welding. But, there has been no electricity. So, I still can’t repair my bike.”

Electricity was restored to wards in Sittwe and Ponnagyun on June 7, but some wards in Sittwe still have not had electricity restored, said residents.

About 1,500 electricity staff — more than 1,000 in Arakan State and over 500 technicians from outside the state — have been working to fix the electricity supply network in Arakan State.