Clean Water, Solar Power Delight Villagers

21/10/2020

VILLAGERS of Nacavanadi, one of 14 villages on the island of Gau were happy about their progress now that they have been connected to two critical basic necessities through proper drinking water and solar energy home systems.

Sixty-four-year old Taraivosa Golea, who is the leader of the women’s group in the village, was grateful that their cry for development have finally been heard.

“I am happy and grateful like the rest of the village women that what we have been crying for many years have finally materialised today,” Mrs Golea said.

“This is through the installation of proper water supply to provide clean water supply to the village and likewise the new solar energy home systems which will brighten the village and homes at night.”
 
Mrs Golea said it has been a long time coming for them to receive this new development considering that their village was often used for functions and events and is also known for organizing fundraising Rugby 7s tournaments for the past 10 or years through the Nacavanadi 7s.

“Our children can now study at night under the light powered by solar and we can use clean water for cooking and also for our toilets.”

Village headman Filimone Tikotani acknowledged the Government’s contribution towards the development of their village with the installation of two critical public utility sets that will ensure proper water supply and renewable energy sourced home systems.

“This is a new beginning for our village which has never had proper water supply and now solar home systems and we are grateful to the Prime Minister and his Government for physically coming to launch these new developments.”

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said the water project cost $169,219 and the solar home systems cost around $129,086.

“That is why my Government has made it a priority to close the gap between Fiji’s urban areas and its rural and maritime areas. We do this by making special efforts in the rural areas - to educate your children, to keep you safe and healthy, to provide internet and legal services - and, of course, to bring you electrical power and clean water,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said “It is not easy to provide power and clean water in rural areas and on small islands. I don’t have to tell you that because you have to live with that reality.”

“But the things that are truly valuable in life are often not easy. So, we have to work on it. We have to be committed.” Prime Minister Bainimarama said they have to plan intelligently and find the right systems with the right technology for each village, whether it is in the high-lands of Viti Levu or the Lomaiviti Islands. “We have done that here. By using technologies like solar systems and modern catchment systems, we are quickly reaching our goal of providing clean water to all Fijians and reliable electrical power to all Fijians by 2021.”
 
 -ENDS-