Expanding rural electrification coverage will continue to be one of the prime objectives of Government says Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
Over the past 10 years, massive investment of $100m ensured that more and more families will have access and enjoy improved living standards with electrical power.
The rural electrification expansion program is guided by Government’s Rural Electrification Policy and a partnership forged with the Fiji Electricity Authority through its Rural Extension Policy.
The development of this infrastructure, complemented by similar developments to roads and water reticulation systems forms the first phase of the government’s Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio Economic Development (RSSED) 2009 to 2014.
The proper infrastructures provide the framework and bedrock upon which economies grow.
Commodore Bainimarama said this was not an effort isolated to Fiji.
“This is a global phenomenon, not something that we are only attempting to do in Fiji,” he said.
“We are all working towards the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and to achieve this economic development is important.”
The MDGs encompass the minimising of incidences of poverty, environment sustainability issues and the protection of human rights to name a few.
Commodore Bainimarama said the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress and government’s roadmap incorporated actions and plans that would realise the fulfillment of Fiji’s obligations to the MDG’s.
“Government is putting in place all actions and plans that will bring about economic prosperity to this country,” he said.
“You will witness road developments, linking up once isolated communities with urban centres.
“Water reticulation developments to enable rural dwellers to access clean, safe water are continuing.
“And so are rural electrification developments, which are major and valuable investments. Without a doubt they will help children with their education, improve services at rural medical facilities and keep rural communities connected with the rest of the world.”
Commodore Bainimarama urged rural communities to take all these developments into account and become more committed to developing their socio economic standards.
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