Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is support­ing the call by a Depart­ment of Energy staff for the proper documentation of Fiji­ans applying for electricity.

During a talanoa session yes­terday in Nasau, Ra, the depart­ment’s officer-in-charge, Saviri Qalica, pleaded with the people of Ra to always make sure the right documents were attached to their application when apply­ing for electrification.

This was after the c from Lawaki, Lepa­ni Naqali, called for the continu­ation of the Government’s work in providing electricity to rural areas in the province.

Mr Qalica said this would avoid complications and discon­tinuity when they process appli­cations.

“The biggest issue the depart­ment is facing right now is col­lecting applications that are in order and correct as well,” he said.

“Because these applications will be taken to Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) for their account number to be processed as well as their permit for connection.

“When we ask for a TIN card, they give their driver’s licence. We’ve conducted awareness in terms of this but despite that, we still face this issue.”

Mr Bainimarama highlighted it was important for Fijians to align themselves with what was required so that they could get electricity.

He said the Government has an aim of achieving 100 per cent electrification throughout the country.

“I am also proud to share that as of 2019, 96.2 per cent of Fiji’s entire population have access to electricity compared to 87.1 per cent reported in 2009 – this friends, is what people-centred development looks like,” he said.

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