Watch out for live wires after cyclone, warns Shoreline manager [1]
Friday, February 17, 2006 - 18:31. Updated on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - 15:26.
In the wake of Cyclone Vaianu this week, crews had restored 95 per cent of the power supply to Tongatapu, but the public should be aware of the dangers from live wires that may have been brought down by the storm, said the Shoreline Power and Distribution Ltd's General Manager, Ian Skelton today.
Crews have been working over the last three days to restore the power supply to all areas of Nuku'alofa and Tongatapu. "We are targeting for power to be 100% distributed by the end of today so that by Sunday, power will flow undisturbed," he said.
However, he warned that the public should be alert for loose wires brought down by the cyclone and report them to Shoreline at 876 6000 or 876 7000.
"With power on in most areas, my crew are carefully searching and monitoring for loose power lines that may not be properly connected and can cause serious injury for anyone who comes in direct contact with the live wires. Parents are strongly advised to keep children away from loose wires lying on the ground, even steel fences which may have wires on them, and avoid pools of water accumulated from the rain as there may be live wires submerged," he warned.
Today's working programme to link up power up included,
HAHAKE, From Hoi to Makaunga, Nukuleka, Talafo'ou, Navutoka, Manuka, Kolonga, Afa, and Niutoua by 5.00 pm. Also included were residential areas through to Kauvai, Bird Santuary at Veitonga, and the MAA Research Farm.
HIHIFO, from Tokomololo, Utulau, Ha'alalo, Ha'akame, Houma, Vaotu'u, Fahefa, Ha'utu, Kala'au, and Matahau, and turnoff from Sia'atoutai, and also to include the beach resorts at the Good Samaritan Inn, 'Otuhaka, and Nawaii-Ali'i.
NUKU'ALOFA AREA, repair teams were searching the area to repair and replace broken wires and re-align back to the private homes and dwellings.
Ian said that some private residences were still waiting for reconnection and they would work through Saturday to bring power to all homes. "Yesterday, our work was interrupted when a car ran into a pole at Pelehake. This meant that we had to pull our boys from the repair work to replace the broken pole," he said.