A cane fire has burnt and badly damaged a wooden power pole that supports the high voltage 33,000 volts Rarawai – Vatukoula – Tavua transmission line.

This power pole poses an eminent safety risk and needs to be replaced immediately.

The EFL team had started  replacing this power pole with a new pole yesterday afternoon till mid-night.

“In order to carry out the emergency repairs, we had to de-energise this 33,000 volts Rarawai – Vatukoula – Tavua transmission line,” EFL chief executive officer Hasmukh Patel said.

“This affected power supply to our valued customers in the following areas:

Tagitagi Area, Maqere, Qelela, Waikona, Matalevu, Yasiyasi, Whole of Tavua Town Area, Tavua Hospital, Higgins Depot, Yaladro, Malele, Davota, Balata, Toko, Matanigata, Vatukoula, MR Dayal Factory, Vuqele, Masimasi, Vunivaivai, Koro No 1&2, South Ridge Repeater, Korovou Weir, Taunabe Village, Nadarivatu, Nadala, Navai, Korosoi, Waimoqi, Yauyau, Soroni, Wainiqia, Tavurase, Lovo, Wailailai Settlement, Waidradra, Navosalailai, Vatusogo, Nadrano, Naga, Ravoravo, Nadrau, Nabawaqa, Naiyaca, Lewa, Lewavou, Buyabuya, Drala, Koro Village, Portal House, FSC Rakiraki, Part of Rakiraki inter-connector, Natokita Settlement, Togovere, Tuidreke, Draunivi, Fiji Pine Station, Yaqara, Quarry, Rabulu, Naseyani, Nananu, Korovou, Rakavidi, Vodafone Repeater, Mataniwai, Nabuna and the whole of Veisaru Area.”

EFL apologises for any inconvenience that may be caused as a result of this emergency power outage exercise and sought the cooperation and understanding of all our valued customers in the affected areas.

Mr Patel requested the understanding and cooperation of all our customers who live along the sugar cane belt areas or along the sugar cane farm residences to take precautionary measures when lighting fires.

“We humbly request our customers to refrain from burning cane and rubbish near our power poles, thereby ensuring continuity of power supply and not causing expensive damages,” Mr Patel said.

“Uncontrolled cane fires are the prime cause of damage to the wooden power poles.

“Apart from being dangerous and life threatening, such fires cause unwanted power interruptions to our valued customers. Anyone causing damages to the power poles as a result of burning cane or rubbish will be dealt with according to the law.”

Customers are reminded to please call 132333 or 913 to report a fire near or on EFL power poles. Source: EFL

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