Fiji: Tropical Cyclone Winston Emergency Reconstruction Response - Pacific Project Brief

The extremely destructive Tropical Cyclone Winston caused the tragic loss of 44 lives, damage to property, and the consequent economic disruption valued at about one-fifth of the country’s gross domestic product. ADB mobilized recovery support under the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) which financed the Tonga Power Limited to mobilize power line crews to assist in the reconstruction effort. Work commenced in April 2016 with the arrival of heavy machinery and a crew of five linemen and an operator. In all, 498 poles, 23 transformers, and 96 kilometers of cables were returned to service, restoring power to homes, schools, and one health center in the rural area of Ba, directly benefiting about 2,400 persons.