BLACKOUT IN HONIARA OVER UNPAID BILL

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (RNZI, May 6) - Solomon Islands radio
says electricity to the capital has been cut off because the government failed
to pay a bill.

The radio said the government owes about one million US dollars
to the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority.

The government recently signed a deal to settle in installments,
but the radio said it missed a payment in March and another one last month.

Power supplies were subsequently cut and the radio said there is
a blackout in Honiara

May 6, 2003

Radio New Zealand International:
http://www.rnzi.com/