16 Mar 2016

NZ mechanics start on Fiji electricity repairs

3:22 pm on 16 March 2016

New Zealand mechanics have started repairing cyclone damage to Fiji's electricity equipment.

Fiji's Electricity Authority has estimated the repairs will cost around US$10 million.

Fallen power poles a common sight in all of Fiji post-Cyclone Winston

Fallen power poles a common sight in all of Fiji post-Cyclone Winston Photo: Alex Perrottet/RNZ

The first New Zealand mechanics arrived at the weekend and are working alongside their Fijian counterparts.

Damage to Fiji's electrical distribution network from the February cyclone was severe, affecting hospitals, schools, hotels and thousands of households.

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Fiji, Mark Ramsden, said New Zealand has committed US$673,000 to help restore the electricity infrastructure, including re-erecting fallen power poles and restringing power lines.