Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs’ recent statement in Parliament that the feasibility of acquiring a new generator for utilities provider GEBE must be further assessed raised some eyebrows. She said she “believed” the budget for such had been approved in June.
It’s safe to assume the latter was based on expected demand for electricity and – if so – any undue delay might prove costly. Although the government-owned company’s finances were obviously affected by consequences of its BlackByte ransomware attack, this ought to be mainly a technical decision.
That GEBE is now required to pay 75% upfront for service and parts from its main mechanical supplier Wärtsilä adds to the concern. Both businesses and residents want to know there will be enough production capacity going forward also to sustain the continued economic recovery.
Several large building projects are either ongoing or have just been completed and energy use will consequently go up significantly. One of the worst things that can happen to tourist destinations is frequent power outages with a negative impact on the visitor-experience.
For example, when credit card transactions cannot be processed at Philipsburg stores with cruise ships in port many thousands of dollars in revenue are lost and staying open makes little sense. A reliable and affordable energy supply is simply crucial to the dominant hospitality industry.
Talking about solar panels and the like in the future is one thing, the country’s immediate, pressing need quite another. Any gambling with that reality could have nothing short of disastrous consequences for the people’s livelihood.
A way to fund the required investment should be found. After all, turning off the light for several hours on a practically daily basis as occurs elsewhere in the region is hardly an acceptable option.
