The same old tune plays on repeat, like a scratched vinyl record. The Antananarivo Interconnected Network (RIA) is now operating under rolling blackouts. One hour and thirty minutes of power cuts across nearly all districts of the capital and surrounding areas were announced by Jirama early afternoon. Officials have remained evasive in recent weeks about the term "blackout," but circumstances and relentless power cuts have made the word unavoidable.
In a statement released early afternoon, the national water and electricity company indicated that rolling power cuts were resuming. The causes: falling water levels at Andekaleka and logistical delays in fuel supply for the Ambohimanambola thermal power plant. "These technical constraints result in a production deficit of approximately 25 MW, disrupting electricity distribution across several districts," Jirama stated