Good news for people living on Vio Island, Lautoka as they finally have electricity.

This is after the launching of the Solar Micro Grid Project on the island today.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says that Vio Island is the first ever Fijian community to have access to clean, renewable and affordable energy from a solar grid.

Bainimarama says that the project on Vio is part of the Fiji Rural Electrification Trust Fund (FREF).

He says the FREF was the brainchild of the Fijian COP23 Presidency and is tasked to enable access to clean, renewable and affordable electricity to rural communities.

The Prime Minister says this is a blessing for the community as children can now study in the evenings with the convenience of electricity.

He says before, if there was any light at all, it was from dull kerosene lamps or candles.

Bainimarama says that their plan within the next 10 years is to provide electricity up to 300 communities under this project.

Vio Island is a five-minute boat ride from the Lautoka Wharf.