Outage due to vandalism, quake

 PNG Power Ltd has blamed an earthquake and vandalism for power interruptions last Friday in Kokopo and Rabaul, East New Britain.

The company said in a statement an earthquake at Talakua affected a transmission pole causing lines to fall cutting off power.

It said locals burnt and fell a distribution pole near Kulao Lodge.

It said PNG Power workmen were fixing the problems and electricity supply should be fully restored by yesterday.

“PNG Power informs its customers in Kokopo and Rabaul that vandalism is a criminal offence and they should be cautious of the law. 

“It can be a risk to their lives and other people’s safety.”