Power Grid Extension Lights Up Settlement

Using kerosene lamps to light their homes will be a thing of the past soon for 21 households at Valemasima settlement, Votualevu, Nadi.

This is after the commissioning of a new electricity grid extension in the area by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Parveen Bala.

The project will cost $88,038 and provide a reliable supply of electricity from Energy Fiji Limited 24/7. “The commissioning of today’s project gives people of this area the opportunity to share the many advantages that electricity can bring. For too long you have been deprived access to electricity,” Mr Bala said.

“Electricity gives your children the ability to study late into the night and be better prepared for school. “Business owners here will also able to tap into digital information sources and build on their skills and knowledge in areas that are of interest to them.”

Landowner, Turaga Ni Yavusa Sivo from Saunaka Village, Isaia Saukuru thanked the Government for the development.

“Today marks a very significant moment for this community,” he said.

Savita Devi, 54, who has lived in the area for the past 15 years, thanked the Government for the assistance.

According to the 2017 census, out of the total of 186,106 households surveyed, 96 per cent had access to electricity.

Photo: Arieta Vakasukawaqa Minister for Local Government, Infrastructure and Transport, Parveen Bala (left), commissioning the Rural Electrification Project for Valemasima Settlement in Votualevu, Nadi, on July 6, 2018.