Residents of Masiraniqai Settlement in Nakama, Labasa, continue to wait for essential infrastructure — electricity and proper road access — decades after first submitting their requests.
Maisiri Komo, a long-time resident and farmer, raised concerns during the Fijian Media Association’s Meet the Public and the Press session in Labasa regarding the lack of electricity in his small village, which has just three houses.
He says the first application for electricity was made in 1996, with residents being asked to contribute $96,000.
A representative from Energy Fiji Limited in Labasa confirmed that a new site survey had recently been completed and was being submitted to their head office for endorsement and review.
He says that after they issue the quotation, they will wait for the government payment, and once that is received, the work will begin.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad addressed the broader issue of rural electrification, saying that additional funding has been allocated within the Ministry of Public Works and to Energy Fiji Limited.
He says the government is not only focused on grid extension but is also promoting renewable energy sources such as hydro and solar.
He adds that the government is putting significant effort into making electricity more accessible, particularly through public-private partnerships.
Komo also raised concerns about the condition of the Nakama Road, which connects Naduna to Waiqele.
He says that it has been more than 50 years, and the road is still unsealed gravel.
In response, a representative from the Fiji Roads Authority in Labasa acknowledged the request, saying that the Nakama Road is part of their traffic congestion relief plan — from Labasa Airport to Nakorotari and back to Labasa Town.
He says tar-sealing the road is not scheduled for the next financial year, but it is under planning and currently under review.
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