Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) chief executive officer Hasmukh Patel says relocation and diversion of its power poles near roads needs proper planning before execution.
He made the comments after Fiji Roads Authority CEO Kamal Prasad confirmed they had to drop the surface of the road at four spots near Kavuli, Tavua, recently because of overhead powerlines so that larger vehicles could pass safely.
Mr Prasad said they had paid EFL the money to raise the powerlines four months before the road project had started.
“The uneven surface is due to the overhead power lines. It needs to be lifted for safe passage. The FRA cannot raise the road until EFL raises the overhead power lines,” he said.
“We do not know why they are not executing the works as the full cost that was quoted by EFL has been paid.”
Mr Patel said they were working with FRA to look into the relocation and diversion of the respective infrastructure in strategic and specific locations.
“These require logistical design, planning, wayleaves, procurement and safe execution in conjunction with respective stakeholders,” he said.
“A number of sites have been identified jointly by FRA and EFL where relocation and diversion is required and works at these sites are in various stages of execution around the country.”
