Nearly $1.9 million in compensation has begun reaching households and businesses affected by the nationwide power outages, with most claims now processed and fewer than 20 cases remaining unresolved, MNRE CEO Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena said.
Speaking at a press conference on the environmental impacts of the oil spill and the latest update on the energy crisis, Lealaisalanoa said a total of 489 claims were submitted, including 366 from households and 76 from businesses.
The compensation payments follow reports that power outages caused widespread property damage affecting households and businesses across the country. The government has previously said further updates would be provided on the final number of people who will receive assistance.
She said the process of assessing and verifying claims has now largely been completed by a special committee established under the Disaster Advisory Committee for emergencies and major disasters.
After the committee completed its investigations, the results were submitted to the cabinet, which approved compensation for households and small businesses with claims under $50,000.
