In a bid to keep the relationship between Fiji and China stronger, Guangzhou City donated 200 solar street lights to Fiji with a total value of $150,000.
While speaking at the handing over ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian says this donation marks the latest achievement of Guangzhou’s cooperation with Fiji.
Jian says Guangzhou is a pioneer city in developing China-Fiji relations.
He says these batch of solar street lights will be distributed to 13 cities and towns across Fiji, including Suva, Nadi, Sigatoka, Lautoka, Savusavu, Labasa, Levuka, and etc. to illuminate the way home for people walking or driving at night.
He adds this donation represents the latest support of China for Fiji in addressing climate change which has been a challenge for all mankind.
Jian says in March this year, China has handed over solar energy supplies worth $7 million to Fiji, lighting up over a hundred remote villages.
He says the solar street lights donated today will meet the broader needs from cities, towns and villages in Fiji.
While receiving the donations, Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa says these lights signify not just a symbol of brightness in our towns and cities, but a symbol of hope for the well-being of our people, specifically for those that have not had streetlights for so long.
Nalumisa says these 200 solar streetlights will not merely brighten our cities, they will light up the path to progress, safety and prosperity.
He adds the municipal councils anticipate that such timely support will empower them to meet the demand of the residents for infrastructure development and further urban progress and most importantly, the safety of the street users in the night
Nalumisa says streetlights have long been proven as effective deterrents against criminal activities that thrive in darkness and adequate lighting can reduce risks and discourage criminal behavior, safeguarding our communities and properties.
He says the investments in our urban areas and infrastructure hold the promise to the job creation, enhance quality of life and the creation of sustainable environments.
He adds the coalition government is dedicated to improving urban infrastructure and they are steadfast in the mission to construct main markets and mini markets, sports facilities, restrooms, bucks, and recreational facilities, all designed for the benefit and enjoyment of our communities.
Nalumisa says he has been making this call to all the councils to focus on strengthening their revenue streams as resources generated by the council are not just funds, they are instruments of progress.
He says he is confident that this partnership between the people's Republic of China and the Ministry of Local Government in Fiji will continue to bear fruit for people in the years to come.
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