The group of 40 engineers from the Republic of Fiji Military (RFMF) Engineers now on Rotuma as part of the re-alignment of the role of the military to include human security.

Apart from building the new double storey Rotuma, Hospital at Ahau, the military is also enhancing its role in community development partnership.

Commanding Officer (CO) RFMF Engineers, Lieutenant-Colonel Semi Mocelutu, said the partnership ensured that they utilised their professional and technical potential to assist in community development.

Yesterday Lieutenant-Colonel Mocelutu confirmed that the first phase including the mortuary and the administration block has been completed.

He said the people of Rotuma had initially asked Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for the hospital and the military engineers have been tasked to carry out the work.

“The 40 on Rotuma include electricians, plumbers and carpenters and we are given 12 months to complete this work and we’ll do it,” Mr Mocelutu said.

Meanwhile there is also a group of military engineers on Rabi Island, two road graders and their drivers on Gau and Tavuki in Kadavu.

A set has returned to the military engineers depot in Nabuni, Suva, after completing the nurse’s quarters in Dawasamu, Tailevu.

According to Mr Mocelutu the Rabi team was to have built 26 houses.

“They have just completed 10 as the delay was due to urgent repair work to damage caused by cyclone Winston,” he said.

Gau and Kadavu work include the leveling of grounds.