25,000 Fijians expected to have electricity through US support of $1.5 million grant

25,000 Fijians living in rural and isolated communities are expected to have electricity after the Fijian Government received financial support of a USD $750,000 grant from the US Government through the United States Trade and Development Agency to advance its rural electrification project.

Acknowledging the partnership, the Permanent Secretary for Finance Shiri Goundar says connecting Fijians to electricity is a priority for them and it is this kind of project and support from development partners that is critical for them to not only increase the electricity connections but move towards cleaner energy.

He says about 96 percent of Fijians have power, and this support will assist them in connecting the last 4 percent.

US Ambassador to Fiji Marie Damour says with this support, the Fijian Government along with public and private sector partners, will begin to create market opportunities for investors in clean energy and support affordable energy access for rural communities.

This support will ensure a study is conducted in 300 communities in Fiji that lack access to reliable and affordable energy and prioritizes 75 community engagement and detailed feasibility assessments.