A $10 million renewable energy project to benefit those living in Kadavu, Rotuma and Lakeba in the Lau Group will be launched soon.
This follows the signing of an agreement between Fiji and the United Arab Emirates this week.
Fiji's Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities Timoci Natuva said while improving the living standards of those on these islands, the project will also reduce our import bill which currently averages $1.3B annually.
The introduction of the project will also address key challenges currently faced by those on the island like the irregular transportation of fuel, mechanical problems and inconsistent supply of electricity.
The project areas are also considered strategic due to the facilities located on them like Government services, Schools and health centers.
The successful implementation of renewable energy will also allow for the provision of reliable and efficient services 24 hours rather than ad hoc and inconsistent.
Natuva added that the savings from these projects will go a long way in government's efforts to improve other necessary infrastructure to support sustainable development and reduce poverty.
The project will be implemented by the prestigious UAE Company, Masdar, which worked on the all solar-powered Masdar City Project, the world's first ever city that is sustainable, have zero-carbon and zero-waste ecology.
Meanwhile the agreement was signed between the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which was represented by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and CEO of Masdar, HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, while Fiji's Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities (Water & Energy), Timoci Natuva officiated on behalf of the Fijian Government.
Story by: Gwen Mc Goon
