THE Government brought light to the homes of nine families of Naiutuutu settlement in Namena, Tailevu yesterday with the extension of the rural electrification grid to the village.

Provided at a cost of $44,319, the grid extension was officiated by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Speaking to the villagers in the iTaukei language, Mr Bainimarama said Government was committed to bring development to the people no matter how far away they were.

He said the families of Naiutuutu would now have a better standard of living and be able to enjoy the benefits brought by having electricity in their houses. Mr Bainimarama said his Government paid a lot of attention to development because it cared for the people of Fiji and realised that by improving the living circumstances of one person, the effect would be felt a hundred fold later on.

He added the electrification program would make it easier for them to keep in touch with their families all over Fiji and the world

Naiutuutu villager Jone Tui Vukicikorolevu said it was a historical day for them and they were thankful to the Government for all their assistance.

He explained in the past students had difficulty studying because of lack of electricity but this would now be a thing of the past.

Mr Vukicikorolevu said they had also requested Government for assistance with flush toilets for the residents.

The residents of Naiutuutu settlement had to fundraise through baking sales and gunu sede in order to meet their one-third share of the total cost.