Tongan linesmen return from New Zealand to help restore power network Featured
2 March, 2018. Tongan linesmen return from New Zealand to help restore power network New Zealand has responded to a request from the Government of Tonga to help restore the electricity network which was severely damaged following Tropical Cyclone Gita.
New Zealand has deployed five linesmen to Tonga for up to six weeks to work alongside Tonga Power Limited (TPL) linesmen in their restoration work.
The linesmen arrived on Wednesday 28 February and have come fully equipped to start work immediately.
All five linesmen were born in Tonga but recently relocated to work in New Zealand through an arrangement between TPL and Northpower Ltd.
TPL linesmen and women are trained to New Zealand standards and are qualified to work on network projects in New Zealand.
Semisi Fukofuka, Development Programme Coordinator at the New Zealand High Commission, welcomed the linesmen on arrival at Fua’amotu Airport.
Semisi said the linesmen are excited about being home.
“They are ready to use their skills to help restore electricity to the remaining communities without power.”
TPL linesmen gained their experience working on the Tonga Village Network Upgrade Project, an activity funded by the New Zealand Government to strengthen the electricity
network in rural Tongatapu.
The restoration of the electricity network on Tongatapu has been a priority for the New Zealand and Australian governments to assist Tonga’s early recovery from TC Gita.
