Kelera Ditaiki 
[Photo: Fiji Government/FACEBOOK PAGE]
Remote communities in the Lau Group are set to benefit from improved water and electricity services following the commissioning of new infrastructure projects on Lakeba.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says development in the outer islands must continue, despite ongoing national discussions surrounding the Constitution.
Speaking while travelling between Lakeba and Matuku, Ro Filipe says the Government has opened a new Water Authority of Fiji depot on Lakeba, complete with a workshop and maintenance facilities.
The new facility is expected to strengthen maintenance support and improve water services for the island.
The island has also moved towards cleaner energy, with the commissioning of the Lakeba hybrid power project, which combines existing diesel generators with solar power.
“And also we commissioned the Lakeba hybrid power Lakaro project, where it is a combination of the old diesel generator, but now dominated by solar energy, a solar project. So that gives a lot of savings as far as diesel use is concerned, and we are moving to renewable energy.”
Electricity has also been extended to Waitabu and other villages, providing residents with improved access to power.
He says this will make a difference not only for families but also for schoolchildren, the local health centre, primary school and kindergarten.
Ro Filipe says the Government’s island visit will continue to Matuku, where more projects are expected to be commissioned.
The developments form part of ongoing efforts to improve essential services and infrastructure for people living in Fiji’s outer islands.
