Early Recovery from Tropical Cyclone Winston Through Supporting Critical Energy Restoration

EARLY RECOVERY FROM TROPICAL CYCLONE WINSTON THROUGH SUPPORTING CRITICAL ENERGY RESTORATION

Australia will support the transition from humanitarian relief to longer-term recovery and development. We will prioritise Early Recovery efforts to resuscitate basic services, markets and livelihoods after a disaster or crisis. We will provide technical assistance to partner organisations and governments to assist Early Recovery efforts.

In early March 2016, the Australian High Commissioner Her Excellency Margaret Twomey was asked by the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) to assist with the critical electrical needs following Cyclone Winston. DFAT together with the peak body of the Australian energy industry, Energy Networks Association, devised a rapid assessment mission to better advise FEA of the most effective way to rebuild the network.

The rapid assessment found over 27,800 power poles were affected and up to 90% of the network was damaged. Priority work included over 4,500 poles which need to be directly replaced and new poles installed. It recommended that much needed plant, equipment and training were the highest priorities.

Australia’s energy sector have contributed three crane borers, three elevated work platforms and a service truck for dispatch to Fiji. A further AU$270,000 in tools and equipment is also being sent (due to arrive in late June).

Photo: His Excellency Mr Yogesh Punja, Fiji High Commissioner at the Port of Brisbane – 17 May 2016.

The donation is part of a partnership with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australia’s energy sector.

The support package will:

• Increase the speed of restoration work by 25%
• Increase the resilience of the electricity network to future weather events
• Underpin the broader recovery program in Fiji.

On 17 May 2016, the Fiji High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency Mr Yogesh Punja,the Australian Government and the Australian energy networks sent off the seven heavy vehicles to repair the electricity network devastated by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Photo: One of seven donated trucks disembarking the MV Morning Midas at the Port of Suva – 25 May 2016.

A technical training, certification and service package is currently being assembled, with the first trainers due to arrive in Fiji in early June. This will ensure the FEA is trained to maintain and safely use the plant and equipment for the longer term.

It is hoped that this public – private partnership will see strong ties formed between the Australian and Fijian energy industries to assist each other prepare and respond to future disasters.

26 May 2016

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Fiji - Early Recovery (Rapid Onset)

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