More than 70 households in the province of Naitasiri celebrated early Christmas following the commissioning of the Rural Electrification Project for two villages and three settlements.

Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Bala officiated at the commissioning of the project for 72 households of Naitauvoli and Nuku villages, as well as Drauleba, Naseveve and Wainabua settlements at Naitauvoli Village.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Bala with Naitauvoli Village leader Ratu Sanaila Nacolaiviu after the commissioning of the rural electrification project at the village. Photo: DEPTFO

The project, completed at a cost of $455,000 will benefit about 300 Fijians 24-hours-a-day and seven-days-a-week.

Mr Bala said the Government was committed to providing reliable and sustainable power supply to all Fijians.

Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport David Kolitagane speaks during a talanoa session following the commissioning of the rural electrification project at Naitauvoli Village in Naitasiri. Photo: DEPTFO

“No more benzene, no more kerosene and no more generators,” he said.

“This also means the villagers no longer have to worry about repair and maintenance of generators. The villages will also save on the purchasing of diesel.”

This, he added, was part of the Government’s vision of a modern and dynamic Fiji through building resilient infrastructure such as telecommunications, access to clean and safe water, building new and better roads and giving Fijians access to electricity.

Cake cutting to mark the commissioning of the rural electrification project for Naitauvoli and Nuku villages, as well as Drauleba, Naseveve and Wainabua settlements in Naitasiri. Photo: DEPTFO

Mr Bala also highlighted that the communities’ 5 per cent contribution for the rural electrification programme was refunded.

“Out of the total cost of the project, your community had paid $20,157. I was informed that the Office of the Prime Minister had assisted with your contribution and paid $4736.

“Your contribution has been refunded, which will remove the burden from individual households.”

Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Bala with Naitauvoli villagers.
Photo: DEPTFO

Mr Bala encouraged the communities to use the rural electrification project to better their lives, remain prosperous and productive.

Source: DEPTFO News

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