Government is committed to ending the isolation of the maritime and rural communities and is ensuring that they have the same advantages and services as people in the major urban centers.
Commissioner Western, Mesake Ledua said this while commissioning a home base solar system project for the members of the Yavusa Sabutoyatoya on Waya Lailai island in the Yasawa group last Friday.
Mr Ledua said the project is an investment by the Fijian Government and will provide them with an opportunity to enhance their lives.
“Electrification brings with it opportunities to use home electrical appliances, allow your children to study effectively at night, and use electronic devices that can enhance their studies.”
“Government, in carrying out projects such as this, is also committing to building a better Fiji, one that provides equal opportunities for every Fijian and one of the determinations of Government, is to meet its objectives of ensuring all Fijians have access to reliable electrical power and to have 100 per cent renewable energy in Fiji by 2036, and furthermore to achieve net zero emission by 2050,” Mr Ledua said.
The project which costs close to $400,000 also provides income generating prospects as it has the potential to raise the level of economic activity on the island.
Village headman Ulaiasi Tuivomo said the home-based solar system brings about a lot of relief but it is important that they take ownership of the project.
“We are already working on a strategy to ensure that we have funds available in case a system in one of the homes needs servicing as we felt that it is our responsibility to ensure that this investment by Government lasts,” Mr Tuivomo said.
“We are grateful that the Prime Minister made a commitment to assist us and ensured that the 96 households on Waya Lailai have access to home based solar systems which did not cost us a single cent.”
