Rédaction Africa Links 24 with AZ Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-04-03 23:46:02
Power outages in Burkina Faso: SONABEL working to resolve “a quite difficult situation” (Resp)
Ouagadougou, April 3, 2024 (Africa Links 24) – The National Electricity Company of Burkina (Sonabel) said on Wednesday that it is “extremely saddened” by the power cuts that have been ongoing since March 26, while ensuring that it is working to resolve “a quite difficult situation.”
“The situation is extremely distressing. It is very painful, primarily for Sonabel. When you are responsible for delivering a service and find yourself in this position, it is very difficult to bear. We are working to solve the difficulties we are facing. But I admit that the situation is quite difficult,” said the head of Burkina’s national electricity company, Souleymane Ouédraogo, on the 8:00 PM news program of RTB on Wednesday.
Mr. Ouédraogo was responding to the ongoing power cuts affecting Burkina Faso since March 26, 2024, with very damaging consequences during times of intense heat.
“I would like to assure our customers that we hear their cries. We are experiencing all these difficulties with them. We are working to solve them. It is difficult, of course, but we are not giving up. Since the 26th, all Sonabel teams have been mobilized,” added Souleymane Ouédraogo.
He explained that the power cuts are mainly due to the “drastic rationing” of the 200 MW that Ghana is no longer able to supply to Burkina, due to a gas supply issue.
According to Souleymane Ouédraogo, it is imperative to increase domestic energy production to address such situations. Mr. Ouédraogo mentioned an increase in energy demand of 490 MW between 2011 and 2024, compared to investments during the same period that only resulted in 222 MW.
The SONABEL DG also pointed out that the aging equipment, with 30% of the groups needing to be decommissioned, does not allow for the prevention of breakdowns during this period of heat, he assured.
According to Mr. Ouédraogo, the Burkinabe government has provided “facilities” to SONABEL and “major projects” are underway to somewhat alleviate these difficulties.
Souleymane Ouédraogo also encouraged Burkinabe citizens who have the means to use solar energy as well.
Burkina Information Agency
ATA/ck
Archive photo: Le Reporter
Read the original article(French) on Agence d’Information du Burkina
