16 Jun 2008

Fuel shortages threaten power supplies in parts of American Samoa

5:31 am on 16 June 2008

The head of the American Samoa Power Authority, Michael Keyser, is urging residents living on the Islands of Manua, Ofu and Ta'u to conserve electricity.

The MV Sili, the vessel which normally supplies fuel to the islands has been out for service for three week, after a routine maintenance check found it needed more work.

Michael Keyser said ASPA does not know when the MV Sili will be able to supply fuel again.

But he said the Port Administration has announced that the Samoa vessel, Fotu o Samoa will be chartered to sail to Manua on tomorrow.

For now, Ofu has more than a three month supply of fuel however on Tau, there are only enough supplies for the next 10 days.