Pacific Energy South West Pacific Limited and Rakiraki businessman George Shiu Raj have partnered in a $2 million venture.

Mr Raj said the service station he hoped to finish by July will be able to provide fuel and services to residents in the greater Nalawa, Barotu, Ra area.

“Not only would this provide fuel to people travelling past, but also to the residents nearby, as it’s an hour to travel to the next service station,” he said.

He also added that if there was ever a time the chief of the nearby villages wanted to think of running the enterprise, that would not be a problem.

“Should the Tui Nalawa or Tui Navitilevu in future want to buy or run the service station, I would not hesitate to give back.

“Why not?”

Pacific Energy chief marketing officer, Rajnesh Prasad,  said they were very excited to be part of the project.

“Our motto is we are who you are, and this development is a great example of that.

“To be able to be a part of this project and be of service to the rural areas is what we stand for.

“Many times, smaller towns and rural areas are always forgotten.

“When we were approached to join in, we did not hesitate.”

Mr Prasad added that this service station would be unique to the other stations in smaller towns.

He did not want to reveal too much although added it would be an eye-opener and state of the art station.

The contractor, Shane Singh of Under One Roof, said they had planned to have finished by April but had to delay when Tropical Cyclone Yasa hit.

“The $2 million development should be expected to finish and open in July.

“There is a lot to expect and we hope to deliver.”

Feedback:  susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj