Cuba electricity restored

Electricity has been restored to more than 99 percent of Cuba, nearly two months after hurricanes Gustav and Ike knocked out power, leaving millions of people in the dark.

Cuban authorities said works would be completed shortly in the westernmost province, Pinar del Rio, as well as in eastern Las Tunas province and the Isla de la Juventud special municipality.

Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage said after being hit by two devastating hurricanes, Pinar del Rio has the safest system at present.

More than 6,500 utility poles, 526 transformers and some 49,000 lines were installed, and more than 1,000 secondary improvements were reportedly carried out during 54 days of work.