Business operators in Labasa are expressing optimism following recent improvements made by Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) aimed at reducing power disruptions within the town. Earlier this year, Labasa businessman Paul Jaduram highlighted that unplanned power outages every Sunday significantly hindered local business operations along the main street.
Since a community Town Hall meeting in July, EFL has taken action to enhance communication and coordination regarding maintenance schedules, resulting in a notable decrease in disruptions. “After that question, EFL has now upgraded the system and it’s much better than what they had before,” Jaduram reported, emphasizing that the utility provider now informs stakeholders about specific areas facing power shutdowns, unlike before when entire neighborhoods would lose power due to localized maintenance.
Jaduram noted that while maintenance work continues in certain zones, businesses located in unaffected areas can now operate without interruptions, as only specific streets experience temporary disconnections. This change allows for a more manageable environment for local commerce, which is especially vital as the Diwali celebrations are currently underway in Labasa.
EFL’s commitment to infrastructure improvements not only aims to enhance service reliability but also emphasizes the importance of effective communication with the community. As maintenance continues, there is an encouraging atmosphere amongst business owners and residents, suggesting that these upgrades will lead to a more consistent power supply in the future. The community is hopeful that as these improvements are realized, Labasa will become a stronger and more resilient market.