8 Oct 2003

Fiji government guarantees power supply to ensure Rugby World Cup coverage

8:08 am on 8 October 2003

The Fiji government has introduced emergency electricity measures, saying it will ensure the nation gets to see Rugby World Cup matches televised live.

Fiji is suffering a severe drought, which has threatened the operation of the Monasavu hydroelectric station that provides about 80 per cent of the electricity to the main island, Viti Levu.

The energy minister Savenaca Draunidalo says the cabinet has provided emergency funding to the Fiji Electricity Authority to run diesel generators for a month.

Shortly before going into the cabinet meeting, Mr Draunidalo told Radio Fiji that nothing would stop the screening of the World Cup matches from Australia.

He said whatever happened with the drought, there would be no power disruptions during game time.

Fiji play their first game, against France, on Saturday.