Guinea-Bissau’s capital experienced a sudden blackout on Tuesday when Turkish company Karpowership terminated electricity supplies to the nation owing to an outstanding debt of $17 million, confirmed Economy Minister Suleimane Seidi.
The unpaid amount, $15 million of which is owed by the Electricity and Water Company of Guinea-Bissau, led to the disruption of power services. Karpowership, a major provider of floating power plants globally, has been the sole supplier of Guinea-Bissau’s electricity since a 2019 agreement, according to Reuters.
Minister Seidi assured that efforts were underway to settle the arrears within 15 days and emphasized ongoing negotiations with Karpowership to prevent further complications. A spokesperson for Karpowership expressed regret over the suspension, citing a prolonged period of nonpayment, and affirmed their commitment to resolving the issue promptly.
This incident follows a similar cutoff in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, in September, where Karpowership halted electricity supply due to an unpaid debt of approximately $40 million.
