| |
 |
| Left to Right-Front Row: Sikini Faka'osi, Laura Lolohea, Metuisela Afu. Back Row: Katieli Mahe, Sione ‘Otuhouma, Maile Maile. 5th April 2016, Tonga Power Ltd. |
| |
| A Tongan line mechanic group will be deployed in Fiji to assist with the efforts to repair the damages to the Electricity Distribution Network caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston. |
| |
| The group consists of six qualified and experienced line mechanics personnel from Tonga Power Limited, led by line supervisor Metuisela Afu. The first team will leave Tonga for Fiji this Saturday 9th of April 2016. |
| |
| Tonga Power provided the associated plant and equipment and two vehicles for the network restoration work in Fiji to assist the group with their tasks upon arrival. |
| |
| The teams will be based in Lautoka, the second largest city of Fiji in the west of the island of Vitilevu where the electricity network was badly damaged by the cyclone. |
| |
| The Chief Executive of Tonga Power Ltd said, “The opportunity to assist our Pacific Island friends in Fiji is a privilege and an immediate priority for Tonga Power Limited. I’m sure if Cyclone Winston had hit Tonga harder, Fijian’s wouldn’t hesitate to lend their support. This initiative would not be possible without the direct financial assistance through the Asian Development Bank. I would like to congratulate ADB for pulling out all stops and fast tracking this important project." |
| |
| Cyclone Winston left a swathe of destruction in Fiji with extensive damage to the electricity infrastructure. The damages included but were not limited to the electricity generation assets, transmission tower and lines, sub-transmission poles and lines and the entire power distribution network around the country. |
| |
| Tonga Power’s lines crew will work under the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) to assist with: |
| disconnecting fallen lines from power poles |
| clearing debris for the safe re-construction of power lines |
| re-erecting fallen power lines |
| re-stringing powerlines |
| and re-installing fallen transformers and other overhead distribution equipment |
| |
| Due to severe damage to Fiji’s electricity network, full restoration of power to the country is expected to take considerable time with power supply restoration on-going since February. |
| |
| The line crew’s deployment is supported by the Asian Development Bank in travel, accommodation costs and daily allowances. The team will be deployed in two groups, each for a month from the third week of April to the 15th of June 2016. |
| |
| The assistance is funded by the Asian Development Bank at USD$302,691. |
| |
| ENDS |
| For further enquiries please contact: |
| Jane Guttenbeil |
| Marketing & Communications Manager |
| Tonga Power Limited |
| P: (+676) 21400 |
| E: jguttenbeil@tongapower.to |
| W: www.tongapower.to |