Queries raised over slow progress of $3.4m Buca hydro

A $3.4 million hydro project aimed at providing reliable electricity to Buca Village in Cakaudrove is progressing, but key stages are still incomplete, raising questions in Parliament about when communities will begin to benefit.

Concerns were raised in Parliament yesterday by the Assistant Minister for Education, who questioned Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau on the project’s status and slow progress.

In response, Mr Tuisawau confirmed the project is ongoing and being implemented in phases under development funding support.

“The project is progressing under support and government partnership. Once completed, it will provide reliable and consistent electricity benefiting around five villages,” he said.

Mr Tuisawau said the project is expected to improve living standards and energy access in the area once fully completed.

However, he confirmed that several key steps are still in progress, including staffing and contract awards.

“Project management unit recruitment has been advertised, interviews have been completed, and finalisation is expected by June 2026,” he said.

He added that procurement work is also underway, with bids for the mini-grid system currently being assessed.

If all processes proceed as planned, contract awards are expected by August 2026.

On-site works have already started, including construction of an access road to the project site, which is expected to support the main construction phase.

However, when questioned in Parliament on challenges affecting the project, Mr Tuisawau said delays remain possible.

“Weather conditions are one of the challenges, as with normal infrastructure projects. Capacity within departments is also a key issue moving forward,” he said.

It is estimated that around 190 households, or about 1,070 people, will directly benefit from the project through improved access to renewable energy.

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