Airbnb onwer Rosie Ah Yen says owning a generator is "becoming a necessity" in Samoa. Photo: 123RF
The major disruptions to Samoa's electricity supply have hit local Airbnb operators, who say the ongoing power crisis is "killing businesses", local media report.
The power supply issues on the main island of Upolu have been intermittent since February, resulting in the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) having to ration supply and leaving Samoans frustrated at the government's response.
On Monday, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said the EPC, with the government's support, was working to address the current situation and return electricity supply to meet the needs of the country.
She laid out multiple reasons for the disruptions, including faults in the main underground cable, severe weather causing damage to power lines and poles, and backup generators breaking down.
One Airbnb operator, Rosie Ah Yen, who operates Connect IT and owns 21 Airbnb properties, told the Samoa Observer that owning a generator is "becoming a necessity".
Ah Yen said her company, Connect IT, has suffered losses as equipment, such as printers and computers, has been damaged by sudden outages.
"We've had to adapt and do more jobs online, but it's still unclear what the long-term effects will be," she said.
"We are just making do with what we can."
Another Airbnb owner, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to the newspaper, said the government should provide generators.
"They're killing so many businesses. I tell people in New Zealand who want to come here for a holiday: 'Save your money. Go somewhere else.' You're here, and you don't have power. It's embarrassing," the operator was quoted as saying by Samoa Observer.
According to the newspaper, the country's Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Vaaio has supported a call for the government to declare a state of emergency.
The declaration of a state of emergency would allow Samoa's development partners to assist with the situation, Lautimuia said.
