Cabinet appoints an independent Panel to review Niue Power

The government has appointed an independent panel of three to review the production of power on the island. The panel is expected to deliver their findings on “why there are intermittent power shutdowns of electricity supply and how to address these issues in future”.

The panel will be chaired by Billy Tukutama, former Director of Public Works Department and former Superintendent of government’s electrical division.

The other two members of the panel include Commissioner of the Niue High Court Des Hipa who is also the Chairperson of the Niue Liquor Board

And Fapoi Akesi, of Akesi Integrated Development Consultancy and former director of the Community Affairs Department.

According to the media statement, the panel had already visited and inspected the facilities of Niue Power at Tuila and “to familiarise themselves with the staff and the scope of work to be examined.”

The Director General of Ministry of Infrastructure Andre Siohane said that “It is the wish of Cabinet for the panel to study, analyse, and report on the challenges of supplying and generating power to the island”.

The newly appointed Director of Utilities Clinton Chapman will be assisting the panel with logistical matters.

The media statement said that “Many stakeholders will agree that the review is overdue to find out what the on-going problems are”.

It was not clear how long the review is expected to take and when the final report is expected to be presented to Cabinet.