Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities Mr Timoci Natuva will be commissioning a solar project at Waimaqera settlement in Taveuni later this week.
The Minister, who will be in Taveuni from July 4-5 to inspect capital projects currently being undertaken by the Ministry and its co-operate bodies, highlighted the Government funded ‘1000 Solar Projects’ supports the commitment to providing sustainable energy to all Fijians.
“As part of Government’s 1000 solar projects, 603 are designated for Vanua Levu, while the remaining 397 are installed in Viti Levu, Cikobia, Rotuma and Taveuni,” Mr Natuva said.
“This move by the Department of Energy demonstrates a firm conviction that access to sustainable energy is critical to achieving economic and social development targets outlined in the Millennium Development Goal.”
Mr Natuva added the project supports Governments’ roadmap to democracy that is articulated in pillar five of the People’s Charter for Change which is achieving higher economic growth while ensuring sustainability.
The Waimaqera settlement is a farming community which is 10kilometres inland with close to 200 homes.
Mr Natuva said this would be the first time for this community to receive any form of electricity.
“Previously this settlement only relied on kerosene lamps and generators,” Mr Natuva added.
Meanwhile, since 2006, the Department of Energy has commissioned a total of 4000 solar projects around the country.
-ENDS-