Tensions are escalating over electricity production. Facing persistent power cuts in Toamasina, Antsiranana, and Mahajanga, the head of state is taking a harder line. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, chief of state, issued an ultimatum against Enelec yesterday. One week to resolve electricity production problems in Toamasina, Antsiranana, and Mahajanga, where Enelec partners with Jirama. The declaration was made at Iavoloha state palace. "I am warning Enelec," he stated, "if it doesn't want to work in Madagascar, let it leave. This is a final warning. I'm giving it a few days this week. If the situation in Antsiranana, Toamasina, and Mahajanga is not restored, it will see the consequences." The head of state did not specify what measures he would take against the electricity company. His declaration follows persistent power outages in Toamasina, despite his announcement on July 11 that blackouts would cease by July 13. The state has provided new thermal generators to Jirama to boost production, yet residents report continued long outages. Colonel Randrianirina suggests Enelec bears responsibility. He notes that electricity production in these three cities is a partnership with Enelec. "What puzzles me is that all these cities face problems," he said, adding that the state continuously sends generators to fill the gap left by private companies. "I don't know why, but when we add reinforcement groups for Jirama, Enelec reduces its production," he stated, mentioning sabotage as a possible explanation. General Razafindratovo Heritiana Ramasy, heading Toamasina's reconstruction coordination unit, suggested sabotage could be investigated. "Only Enelec personnel can access their site. Install cameras, strengthen surveillance to see if there's real sabotage," he said. The head of state also raised the need to revise the Jirama-Enelec contract. "The contract contains a clause requiring Jirama to systematically pay 65% of the agreed amount to Enelec, regardless of circumstances," he stated. Using Antsiranana as an example, he explained: "Enelec must produce 18 megawatts while users need 11. If it only produces at the 65% level the state pays, Antsiranana shouldn't have problems. But reality shows it produces only 3 megawatts." Initially silent, Enelec later sent a statement explaining that "major and unprecedented technical problems affected several power plants managed by Enelec." The company stated that personnel mobilized immediately and collaborated with Jirama to maintain electricity supply. Enelec acknowledged "the highest consideration" for the president's concerns about inevitable power cuts in cities with Enelec-managed plants, but did not address the one-week deadline or contract clause criticisms.