"We have proposed the construction of 28 new electricity facilities, pending approval from the central authority," PT PLN Ternate branch's Customer Service Implementation Unit Head Gemal R Kambey said in Ternate, Saturday.
At present, several districts and cities in the North Maluku Province are in urgent need of new electricity facilities to support residents' daily and economic activities, particularly in remote areas, he explained.
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The company received numerous complaints from customers often of experiencing blackouts due to inadequate power supply, Kambey added. Some other customers suggested the company construct new electricity facilities to allow North Maluku residents to enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power supply.
From the proposed 28 new facilities, most would be provided for South Halmahera District as the region with the least developed facilities where the remote island’s residents are yet to receive a full day’s power supply, Kambey stated. On the contrary, the province's capital Ternate City is the region with the most stable power supply, he added.
Meanwhile, South Halmahera District Head Usman Sidik stated that the power supply company’s support is necessary to allow residents to enjoy a full day’s supply, particularly for remote regions such as Obi Island.
"We should appreciate the PT PLN proposal, and we hope more programmes are implemented to support the district's residents, particularly those who reside in Obi Island. This collaboration must continue," Sidik expounded.
At present, most Obi Island residents only receive power supply at night and none at noon. With collaboration between the district authority, the state electricity company, and private company PT Harita Nickel, the island residents will soon enjoy power for the full day, Sidik said in conclusion.
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