A recent power outage at the Damodar Complex in Labasa has disrupted operations for over 30 local businesses, leaving many struggling to recover after a major fire damaged the complex’s main power switchboard. The incident forced these businesses to close for several days, resulting in substantial losses, particularly from spoiled inventory and the need to send staff home due to a lack of electricity.
One of the impacted business owners, Pule Senilagakali, the manager of Hot Bread Kitchen Labasa, expressed the challenges faced during the outage, stating, “It’s really affected us since we were not prepared and everything is all in the coolers — we still had cakes and customer orders.” She noted that the bakery sector was hit hard by the unexpected power outage.
Another shop owner raised concerns about the absence of backup power systems, which exacerbated the situation and led to confusion among customers unaware of the closures. As power restoration efforts continue, tenants are currently relying on a standby generator to maintain partial operations and recover customer confidence.
Reflecting on the incident, it is apparent that while such disruptions pose significant challenges, they also highlight the importance of community resilience in overcoming adversity. Similar past incidents have underscored the necessity for businesses to prepare for unexpected disruptions and the value of strong collaboration among local authorities and the business community in times of crisis. By working together, there is hope that affected businesses will bounce back and emerge stronger, showcasing the tenacity and spirit of the local community.
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