JOSAIA RALAGO
The bright lights we have in our village is like those in urban centres, all thanks to Government.
“We all know that power especially for lighting purposes is needed to help improve our livelihood and we are fortunate enough to be given this, here in Vunikodi,” Sainiana Vukicibua, the leader of Vunikodi Women’s Group, said.
The Department of Energy recently installed solar lights for all homes in their village in 2019.
Mrs Vukicibua, who is originally from Qoma, Tailevu and has been residing in the village for more than three decades, said the installation of these lights could not have come at a more suitable time.
“Solar power have brought so much more than just night lighting for our villagers, our children get to study late into the night, we can charge our electronics especially mobile phones and our women can now weave their mats, and make their handicrafts which is a source of income for them,” she said.
“Prior to this, lighting was an issue because we depended on kerosene lamps and this proved to be a barrier for us women especially when we needed to weave or make our handicrafts.”
The 56-year-old said she has witnessed a lot of Government incentives over the past few years which has benefitted them greatly.
“From education benefits to the solar that we now have access to, our livelihood has been improved and for that we are grateful to the Government,” Mrs Vukicibua said.
Another member of the Women’s group, Maca Noame shared similar sentiments, saying the solar lights has brought a lot of positive changes in their lives.
Mrs Noame said for her, she was able to complete her weaving much faster.
“The lights are so bright in the evenings that we can weave in the day and also in the night,” Mrs Noame said.
Sometimes when we have other chores and appointments to at-tend to, we can return and weave in the evenings.
“This means that we get to make handicrafts for the market.”
There are 22 households in Vunikodi which have benefitted from this project.