Work has started on upgrading Tristan's electricity network.

Tristan's Electricity Network Upgrade Begins

Report and pictures from Electrical & Plumbing Department Deputy Head Robin Repetto

The Electrical Reticulation project started on 2nd April 2013 and great progress has already been made as shown by the photographs taken on 3rd April of work to dig trenches and insert cables.

All the cables are laid underground. The first MV cable of 6.6KV has been installed and progress is being made to bury it and start on the next stage to the next mini substation.

The project is being coordinated by Electrical Engineers Deon Jacobus & Wynand de Bruyn who arrived aboard MV Edinburgh on 26th March and can be seen in the photos.

Editor's Note: We look forward to more reports from Robin on this project and the resulting improvements in what is an outdated electricity supply system on the island, still using the old round three pin plugs commonly used in the UK. As Robin's old English teacher it is heartening to have to consult a dictionary to look up the term 'reticulation' and trusts others who may not know the word so are grateful for an alternative heading for this news article! It is also another example of the importance of a good education for Tristan Islanders, who need a much wider technical knowledge and skill as their community develops with up to date facilities.