After 16 years without electricity, 10 families in Voloca, Macuata, received power yesterday.
Residents who live along the Nabouwalu-Batiri highway said they made a request to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama four years ago and being connected to the national grid was “an answer to our prayers”.
Village headman Saro Matanivanua said they only paid $10 per family for the $38,500 project and Government funded the remainder of the cost.
He said it was a day of rejoicing because students would no longer study via candlelight or lanterns.
“Our children can also study for longer hours at night and parents don’t have to buy candles or kerosene for the lanterns,” he said.
“We asked Mr Bainimarama for this electricity project, it has happened and we are forever grateful.”
Mr Bainimarama told the villagers they would now experience the benefits of power supply which would allow their children to complete their homework with ease.
“If you have a business you can continue to operate into the evenings and can operate refrigerators that can keep fish, and even watch Walesi to stay abreast of the most important issues of the day,” he said.
“My commitment as your prime minister is to extend electricity access to every home in Fiji by 2026.
“Increasingly, that means going to great lengths to reach the most rural and maritime communities.”
