Several rural communities across Fiji have waited years for electricity despite their projects being approved as far back as 2015, a parliamentary inquiry has revealed.
The Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, in its Inquiry Report on Rural Electrification in Fiji, highlighted significant delays in implementing rural electrification projects, with some communities still awaiting electricity access despite completing the necessary requirements.
The report, tabled in Parliament last week, revealed that several projects approved between 2015 and 2018 had only recently progressed to implementation.
“Significant delays continue to affect the implementation of rural electrification projects throughout Fiji,” the committee stated.
“Evidence gathered during site inspections indicated that several projects approved between 2015 and 2018 have only recently progressed to implementation, while some communities have waited many years to receive electricity access despite approvals, completed assessments and, in some cases, completed house wiring.”
The committee identified weaknesses in project management, monitoring and accountability as major factors contributing to the delays.
It noted that implementation setbacks were frequently attributed to funding constraints, procurement delays, contractor resource limitations, escalating construction costs, adverse weather conditions and land-access requirements.
While acknowledging that some of these challenges were beyond the control of implementing agencies, the committee stressed the need for stronger oversight.
“The Committee considers that stronger project management, risk mitigation and monitoring mechanisms are required to improve delivery and accountability,” the report stated.
The inquiry also uncovered shortcomings in coordination and communication between the Department of Energy, Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), contractors, local authorities and beneficiaries.
The committee said greater involvement of Roko Tui, District Officers, Provincial Administrators and community representatives would help improve project oversight and communication.
It said stronger coordination would also assist in identifying and resolving implementation challenges at an earlier stage.
The findings raise concerns over the prolonged delays faced by rural households seeking electricity connections despite having completed approval processes and other preliminary requirements.
