The recent commissioning of 1000 solar panels in the villages of Malaka in Vanuabalavu and Nukunuku in Lakeba is a step in the right direction for clean and affordable energy in the Lau Group.
The Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities Timoci Natuva, commissioned this new development and highlighted government’s commitment towards “electrifying the rural and maritime islands”. He included this as part of government’s initiative in achieving higher economic growth while ensuring sustainability.
This recent commissioning is part of Government’s electrification project which leads to sourcing cheap and alternative sources of energy to “light up” rural and isolated communities across the country.
At the commissioning ceremony, the Minister pointed out that this development will benefit the children living in these communities and will also save costs for families who in the past have had to pay enormous amounts for other forms of energy including diesel or kerosene.
He added the monetary savings can now be diverted to other productive uses such as health or education needs of each family.
“We want to encourage villagers to utilize their time and utilize idle land for agriculture to assist their families financially.”
56 year old Losalini Malumu of Malaka village said this is the first time for the village to access proper electricity since their forefathers settled on the land.
“We are so proud of this incentive provided by government and we know that this will assist us as we are far away from the main land Viti Levu and Vanua Levu,” Mr Sade said.
Malaka village with 30 households each family spend approximately $15.00 a week purchasing of Kerosene.
Mrs Malumu said families often struggle to buy kerosene and at times have had to ration it which often affects childrens’ studies at home.
To date government has installed over 95% of Solar Home Systems around Fiji. Government’s emphasis on rural development also allows various micro enterprises and rural businesses to expand their businesses.
-ENDS-