Pacific Energy yesterday opened its first ever fully-fledged service between Tailevu and Rakiraki at Waimicia in Ra, on the Kings Highway.
The $2 million project that took two years to complete is in partnership with Rakiraki businessman, George Shiu Raj.
Mr Raj thanked traditional chiefs in the area for leasing the piece of land to him to build the service station.
“That is the type of encouragement the businesses in Fiji need to build a service station like this in a rural area,” said Mr Raj.
“Before going to any other district, I have to care about my Jerusalem where I was born.
“That’s the type of attitude businessmen should have.
“Its’ not the money, people may have millions of dollars with them, but the best part is having the relationship between the business and the vanua.
“We know the gap is too much between the two major races in our nation, but we will stand to fill this gap.”
Pacific Energy’s Sales & Marketing manager Fiji Nemani Kobiti said the construction of the service station faced multiple setbacks.
“Congratulations to George Shiu Raj and the management of One Stop Fuel on their perseverance and their resolve to continue building the site despite the challenges faced with Covid and the cement shortages, we are here to be able to open the service station today,” he said.
The service station has eight fuel pumps, a LPG pump, a lube bay, tyre centre and a mini-supermarket.
“We’re glad that we’ve taken this venture in with George Shiu Raj and have successfully completed,” said Avinesh Sharma, Pacific Energy’s National Retail manager.
“Pacific Energy believes in going to the people as it’s evident on our most recent corporate social responsibility to give 3 cents per litre discount to the people of Fiji.”
