AROUND 800 residents of Lololo, Lautoka, have signed a petition calling for urgent government intervention after a Rural Electrification Project (REP) approved and funded last year has yet to begin.
Spokesperson Monil Narayan told this newspaper last Thursday while the project had been tendered and contractors appointed, no physical work has started.
“Our community has no access to electricity from the main EFL grid,” he said.
“Families rely on expensive and inadequate alternatives such as kerosene lamps, candles, and small solar systems.
“This severely impacts children’s education, health services, and economic opportunities.”
Mr Narayan said residents had repeatedly sought answers from authorities without satisfactory responses.
“Access to electricity is a basic necessity in the 21st century. Our children should not have to study by candlelight. Our families should not have to spend precious income on alternatives when a funded solution exists. We are not asking for new approvals or additional funding – just for the approved project to begin.”
The petition reflects growing frustration in the community, which has watched approvals and funding progress while projects remain dormant.
Last October, Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau told Parliament that over $118million had been secured in international funding to expand renewable electricity to rural and maritime communities.
The funds, administered through the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF), was intended to accelerate rural electrification via solar PV – diesel hybrid systems in around 300 communities nationwide. Support has been committed by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, with discussions ongoing with other partners.
Despite repeated requests, Energy Fiji Ltd CEO Fatiaki Gibson and Minister Tuisawau have yet to respond to questions on the delay, leaving residents of Lololo still in the dark.
