South Darfur MPs outraged at electricity output drop

The decline in the generation of electricity in South Darfur’s capital of Nyala led to a heated discussion in the South Darfur State parliament on Monday. Asked by parliament members about the electrical supply decline, the State Minister of Urban Planning, Abakar Eisa, pointed to the non-operation of three of the five generators brought in from other Sudanese towns. “The three generators broke down after six days of operation.” He furthermore explained that each of the generators at the nine power-generating stations in Nyala is imported from a different country. “The devices need different spare parts and maintenance.” A member of parliament commented by likening the power-generating stations to the UN. “The current production of electricity does not exceed nine megawatt, while the city of Nyala needs 18 megawatts,” the minister said. He explained that the deterioration of the security in South Darfur has led to the stoppage of the night shifts of electricity workers, for fear of being subjected to attacks. Hotline The MPs were outraged by the answers of the minister. The speaker of the South Darfur State parliament called for the disconnection of electricity from the premises of the Governor, his cabinet ministers, advisers, and other officials who are enjoying the so-called “hotline services” in Nyala. “Let the authorities suffer the same fate as all citizens during power cuts.” File photo: During a power failure at night (Radio Tamazuj)