The Ministry of Works, Transport and Public Utilities recently visited the Lau group to monitor the progress of government development projects taking place in the group.
A team led by the Ministry’s Deputy Secretary of Operations, Manasa Lesuma visited these maritime islands to check for the viability of setting up a Bio Fuel mill.
The Department of Energy has proposed to set up six bio fuel mills in 2012. This will be made possible through the Bio Fuel department Unit, which is responsible for the installation of bio fuel mills in Fiji’s rural and maritime areas.
Viliame Rasoni of the Department of Energy says that the main objective of these mills is not only to reduce the consumption and the dependency of diesel fuel for people living in outer islands but also to provide easy and cheaper fuel for rural electrification.
These mills primarily produce bio-fuel and copra meal with the core objective of assisting these communities overcome the hardship encountered with delivery and cost of diesel to the islands. The project ensures that copra farmers get a better return for their produce and at the same lowering fuel costs.
Leasing of land for the purpose of setting up a bio fuel project has been a major huddle in implementing these projects. Mataqali Matavuralevuicake of Boitaci Village in Vanuabalavu has agreed to have their land leased to set up a bio fuel mill.
Out of the six sites, five have been confirmed while two needs to be surveyed. These bio fuel developments will not only benefit the government but also the people of the respective islands.
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