Business operators in Labasa are expressing a renewed sense of optimism following recent enhancements made by Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) that aim to minimize power disruptions in the area. Earlier this year, Labasa businessman Paul Jaduram pointed out that frequent unplanned power outages on Sundays significantly affected local businesses along the main street.
In response to community concerns raised during a Town Hall meeting in July, EFL has taken significant steps to improve communication and coordination regarding their maintenance schedules. This initiative has led to a noticeable reduction in power disruptions. “After that meeting, EFL upgraded the system, and it’s much better than what they had before,” Jaduram noted. He praised the utility provider for now notifying stakeholders about specific neighborhoods experiencing power shutdowns, a marked improvement from previous practices where entire areas would be left without power due to localized maintenance activities.
While maintenance work is ongoing in some zones, businesses in unaffected areas are now able to operate without interruptions, as only designated streets face temporary disconnections. This positive change is particularly beneficial during the current Diwali celebrations in Labasa, a time when local commerce thrives.
EFL’s dedication to improving infrastructure not only seeks to bolster service reliability but also underscores the significance of effective communication with the community. As maintenance progresses, there is a palpable sense of encouragement among business owners and residents alike, suggesting that these upgrades will contribute to a more stable power supply in the future. The community holds hope that, with these improvements, Labasa will evolve into a stronger and more resilient marketplace.