Jaffna still in the dark

[TamilNet, Monday, 10 November 1997, 23:59 GMT]
The Deputy General Manager (northern province) Mr.V. Rajendran revealed today the deplorable truth about the present state of the government's much publicised re-electrification program for the Jaffna peninsula.

He said that at least 15000 KV of power was needed right now to meet the electricity consumption of all currently identified households of Jaffna.

This can be done only if the government can come up with 150 million Sri Lankan rupees to meet the cost of setting up power generation facilities that can supply the 15000 KV to supply electricity to all the households in the peninsula now, he said.

He further pointed out that currently the CEB is able to provide electricity to a few places, mainly in the Waligamam sector, only because of the five generators which the British government donated to the people of Jaffna since last year. These, however, can generate only 2600 KV he said.

The total power requirement of Jaffna when one includes the electricity consumption of the peninsula's industrial and agricultural sector, according to Mr. Rajendran, is 40000 KV.

The government is so cash strapped today that it cannot even find a few hundred thousand rupees for minor reconstruction work in several parts of Jaffna, despite repeated pleas by NGOs and the Government Agent.

The possibility of providing power to Jaffna remains very much an empty slogan say community leaders in Jaffna.

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