The people of Waikubukubu village, which lies in the interior of Tavua district, in the Ba province got connected for the first time to electricity as part of a solar energy initiative by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation.
The new energy source, means well for the 300 villagers who are part of the growing number of communities assisted through the same programme which enabled women to train as solar engineers at the Barefoot college in India.
Minister Dr Jiko Luveni said the solar electrification project is reflective of Government’s commitment and partnership with rural communities and the provision of new opportunities to improve livelihoods.
Yesterday, she joined villagers and government officials to commission the solar electrification project.
“I am delighted to be here to witness a great milestone achieved for this village. I congratulate the solar engineer for her hardwork that has led to successful installation of the solar lights,” Dr Luveni said.
“Last week similar success was witnessed in Nakorovou village in Bua and in the coming days eight other villages in Fiji will be solar electrified. We are grateful to the Barefoot College and UN Women for their partnership in making this project a success.”
Waikubukubu village headman (turaga ni koro) Inia Naicavacava said this achievement would be remembered by his people because this is the first time for the village to get electricity since its establishment 120 years ago.
“Since the time of our forefathers this village didn’t have any electricity we had continued to live in darkness, with the hope that someday we will have the lights. And today our prayers have been fulfilled, with the 57 houses being solar electrified,” Mr Naicavacava said.
“Each house has three bulb lights and one lantern light. The installation took three weeks and everyone in the village assisted the engineer to put up the panels on the roofs.”
Mr Naicavacava said the only light source to the villagers before were through kerosene lamps which was both difficult and costly.
“Before the only source of light was kerosene lamp and it was both difficult and expensive for us to go all the way to town to buy the kerosene but now the solar lights offers an environment friendly, affordable and brighter source of light in our homes,” he added.
Mr Naicavacava acknowledged Government’s assistance and highlighted that it would empower close to 80 school children in their studies.
“The solar lights will also provide a safe environment, particularly for women and girls. We can also charge mobile phones using the solar power,” Mr Naicavacava added.
Waikubukubu village solar engineer Lautaini Nabua said the installation of solar power had been made possible through the support of the solar committee.
“The solar committee has been very active in ensuring the installation and all the households have to pay five dollars a month for maintenance. There is also a good support from the men and the youths,” Ms Nabua said.
“This project is very important, it has proven that regardless of qualifications, a woman can achieve anything. I went up to only class eight and despite that I am proud to say that today I am a solar engineer and have the skills to solar electrify my village.
“I thank the government in particular Dr Luveni for her continued motivation and belief in women. Empowering us to acquire skills of solar electrification. We believe this is a new beginning for a much brighter future for the people of Waikubukubu.”
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