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The Fiji Electricity Authority is gearing up to repair what it says is widespread damage to infrastructure in the greater Labasa and Savusavu areas.
FEA chief executive officer Hasmukh Patel told FijiLive that initial reports indicate widespread damage to infrastructure in both townships.
“The gale force winds created by Cyclone Tomas have caused extensive damage to around 1,300km of overhead power lines,” Patel said.
“Our team needs to physically survey and inspect these power lines before repair works can be carried out,” he said.
Material is being sent from the central and western divisions to the north to assist in rehabilitation of the damaged infrastructure.
Patel said the inspection and restoration of power to essential and critical services such as hospitals and water supply was underway and part of the towns had started receiving electricity by Tuesday evening.
“Our teams are all out in the field working around the clock to ensure that inspections are thoroughly undertaken and that repairs are carried out before we energise the affected areas,” Patel said.
He said FEA is not in a position yet to estimate the cost of damage caused by Cyclone Tomas.
“Our survey works are in progress and we will only be in a position to comment upon completion of this,” he added.
Meanwhile, electricity has been restored to most areas of the central division.
