The Fiji Government this morning received $4.1 million worth of construction and civil engineering equipment from the Government of the Peoples Republic of China.
At the Suva wharf Ministry of Finance officials were on standby to officially receive the vehicle, facilitate customs clearance and logistics.
Plant operators and heavy goods vehicle drivers from the Engineering division of the Fiji Military Forces have begun moving the vehicles across to the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.
Last week the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama announced that the equipment and tools will be deployed by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Engineers.
“This will further drive and enhance our rural development programmes and projects throughout the country,” Commodore Bainimarama said.
Commodore Bainimarama will officially hand over the machinery to RFMF engineers on a date to be decided by the Prime Minister’s office.
The 24 pieces of machinery that arrived include:
- 4 excavators
- Dump truck – 5
- Bulldozer – 3
- Vibratory rollers – 2
- Pneumatic roller – 1
- Motor grader – 2
- Wheel loader – 2
- Loader digger – 2
- Water truck – 1
- Pickup – 1
- Truck with crane -1
Deputy Secretary Development Cooperation and Facilitation in the Prime Minister’s office Eliki Bomani said the shipment comprises the Chinese Government direct aid grant project.
“There are a number of such projects like the Somosomo hydro in Taveuni and the Navua hospital development,” Mr Bomani said.
“We’ll take formal delivery of the equipment next week on Tuesday – we’ll take it to the army engineers – it’s really for the rural development programs.
“The Prime Minister is really keen on expanding rural development and on quickening the pace of rural development for the rural population so this is really part of the assistance,” he said.
“The equipment is subject to deployment throughout Fiji wherever the need is identified, wherever development projects are being carried out in the rural areas.”
-End-