The use of candles and kerosene lamps for students on Vio Island to use at night for studies is now history.

Those were comments made by Aminiasi Tuimaba Senior, the grandfather of Fiji Air­ways Fijian 7s rep Aminiasi Tuimaba during the launching of Vio Fijian Rural Electrifi­cation Fund (FREF) project at the island on Thursday.

The FREF is envisaged to electrify 300 rural communities over the next 10 years. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who opened the project, acknowledged the British High Commission, the Fiji Locally Managed Ma­rine Area (FLMMA) Area Network, Suner­gise and Energy Fiji Limited for their part­nership in installing Vio Island’s micro grid and sola battery system

He said: “Before, our children would find it hard to study using a kerosene lamp, can­dle and sometimes a generator. But now, we thank God for this Government and the shareholders who have helped us with elec­trification.

“I know it’s not a coincidence for all these to happen. I believe it is God’s provision and a blessing to the village of Vio.

“We were the first family or the first house in the village for the electricity installment. I remember when I switched on the first lights in this house, I raised my hand and praised God that what we have longed for years has come to fulfillment.”

Meanwhile, Laite Nakadrogu, the mother of Fiji Airways Drua skipper Mosese Voka, said the struggles faced in the village were resolved through the assistance from Gov­ernment.

Laite Nakadrogo (mother of Mosese Voka) at Vio Island. Photo: Mereleki Nai

“For many years we have longed for elec­trification and clean water especially in supporting our children’s education. So we thank God that through Bainimarama’s gov­ernment, we are able to receive these assis­tance,” she said.

“Life was hard after my husband passed away few years ago and I had to take care of my children. I managed to support them through Social Welfare assistance until they are all grown up and have lived their own lives. I thank God that through prayer and support, my children were all blessed by God.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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