Opposition MP Vijay Nath says Fijian families should not be forced to go without electricity for several days because of poor operational arrangements, calling on Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) to improve its response to power outages and reconnection requests.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Nath said electricity was an essential service and delays in restoring supply were unacceptable, particularly for vulnerable households.
“Electricity is an essential service. Families should not be left without electricity for several days because of poor operational arrangements,” he said.
Mr Nath said he had received complaints about delays in restoring electricity, particularly after normal working hours, on weekends and during public holidays.
“I have received concerns about the delay in restoring electricity, particularly after normal working hours, during weekends and public holidays,” he said.
He questioned whether overtime costs and staffing arrangements were affecting the availability of technicians to respond to electricity problems.
Mr Nath said the consequences could be particularly serious for families with young children, elderly people and those relying on electricity-powered medical equipment.
“What happens to the household with children? What about elderly people? What about families who depend on electricity for medical equipment?” he asked.
“A family may struggle to pay its electricity bill, but once payment is made, they should not have to wait several days for reconnection.”
He criticised EFL’s published reconnection timeframe of 24 working hours following payment, saying it effectively meant a wait of three working days.
“The 24 working hours means three days of waiting before you are connected and I think that is unjustified,” he said.
Mr Nath warned that delays could become even longer during extended public holidays.
He cited a hypothetical example of a household losing power on Thursday, December 24, saying the Christmas holiday period could result in a wait until Wednesday, December 30.
“Imagine people staying without electricity for six days and rest of us probably are enjoying the facilities,” he said.
He also raised concerns about households experiencing electricity problems during Diwali, saying some could face delays until after the holiday period.
Mr Nath thanked the responsible Minister and Assistant Minister for responding to his calls for assistance but criticised EFL’s chief executive officer, claiming he did not answer his calls.
He urged EFL to establish a 24-hour response system to ensure electricity problems were addressed promptly, including during weekends and public holidays.
“I strongly recommend that EFL establish a 24-hour response system, including weekends and public holidays,” he said.
“The cost of overtime should not become an excuse for poor service delivery.”
Mr Nath called on the Government to review EFL’s operational arrangements and ensure families were not left without an essential service for prolonged periods.
