GOVERNMENT has invested $163 million in rural electrification programs from 2014 to 2018, says Infrastructure Minister Jone Usamate.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday last week, he said $92.8m of the $163m was paid to Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) for the grid extension of 367 schemes that benefited 12,417 homes.
Mr Usamate said some of the farming communities assisted included 200 people in Seaqaqa, Macuata, 500 people in Malawai and Muanidevo settlements, Dreketi, more than 2100 people from Keiyasi to Vatubalavu and nearby communities, Navosa, 1600 people in Namau and Navala villages in Ba and 3500 people from Malabi, Wainibuka to Waimicia in Ra.
The minister said in addition to the completed projects, works were in progress in Waibau settlement, Naitasiri, which would benefit 376 people, Lomaivuna settlement and nearby communities which would assist 1148 people, 345 people along Qiolevu Rd, Naitasiri, 655 people in Tokaimalo district, Ra, 1000 people in Vunivere, Vuimanuca in Seaqaqa and 1320 people in Lagalaga settlement, Labasa and 500 people in Solove, Seaqaqa.
Mr Usamate said some of the 2018/2019 projects that have already been paid to EFL to begin the design and construction work later included Nalawa District, Nasau, Rakiraki which would benefit 3000 people, Lalakoro, Vunimako, Rokosalase and Dagau in Seaqaqa for 715 people, Weilagi to Naselesele villages in Taveuni for 1475 people and Naikelikoso and Wainikoro in Labasa for 510 people.
