By Eleanor Gee

At least 80% of the electricity network was severely damaged from Nuku’alofa CBD up to Lavengamelie, to Tofoa and back to Patangata and Popua, said Seti Chen, Manager Operations at Tonga Power Ltd. today.

He said they will finalize their assessment of the whole electricity network today after Cyclone Gita caused widespread damage on Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

“Power to Vaiola Hospital has been restored and work is underway to restore the water pump at Mata-ki-‘Eua and should be completed by the end of the day.

“We are focusing on restoring power to other essential services such as NEMO [National Emergency Management Office], the Royal Palace, the Prime Minister’s office, Fire Services, Digicel, Tonga Communications Corporation and radio stations today.”

Work to restore power to businesses and customers will begin over the next few days starting from the CBD area and working outwards towards the outer villages.

More help on the way

Seti said more help is on the way as Tonga Power teams from Vava’u and Ha’apai are getting ready to be deployed to Tongatapu and ‘Eua. International assistance from Australia and New Zealand are also getting ready to be deployed to Tonga to help with restoration works.

He estimates power should be fully restored within five weeks once the extra help arrives.

Tonga Power is urging people to report electricity faults as it helps them to be able to quickly plan their restoration work. Those residing on Tongatapu should call 944 or 21344 or 28344.

In ‘Eua, power has been restored to the hospital today. People can report electricity faults by calling 772 0009.