Island Experiencing Electricity problems

Tristan is experiencing electricity problems and was without power from 8:30pm on Friday the 15th February until 12:30pm on Sunday the 17th February, this was due to mechanical problems on the one engine capable of running power to the islanders homes. The standby generator that had just been overhauled in Cape Town and returned a few months ago had just been installed on its base, although it had not been connected or run prior to the factory being burnt down.

The island mechanics worked continuously to try and restore power, in the mean time the islanders had to empty their chest freezers at home and take their frozen to the big supermarket freezer, which was being powered by a separate engine. There was also limited space in this freezer, so many islanders were also salting their beef and mutton. Candle light and salt meat, sounds a bit like the days of my grandfather.

At present the engine is still running and will do for a limited period each day, the islanders are keeping their fingers cross that it will continue to do so until the next vessel arrives in about 10 days time with another engine.

Sarah Glass