The Nadarivatu Hydroelectric Scheme has been officially commissioned this afternoon by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
The hydro dam was constructed at a cost of around US$150 million and is Fiji’s only second major hydro scheme after Monasavu that was commissioned in 1983.
Commodore Bainimarama said at today’s price this dam will save Fijians about $42 million a year in the importation of diesel fuel.
He added when Monasavu was commissioned, many of the communities in the surrounding areas were ironically and tragically left unconnected.
The power that was generated by that first dam went right past them.
The Prime Minister said denying Fijians the electricity generated in their own backyards will no longer be the case.
Funding for the three year project was sourced from China Development Bank, ANZ Fiji, Bank of the South Pacific Fiji and FEA’s internal funds.
52-year-old mother of three, Siteri Naikuma of Lewa village near Nadarivatu said their children are so fortunate to now have power to allow them to finally iron their clothes.
Naikuma said she is overjoyed that they have electricity now which will lift the standard of living for them all.
She said in 2010, only some families were able to receive electricity however, with the opening of the Hydro Scheme everybody will now have power.
Story by: Watisoni Butabua, Tokasa Rainima & William Waqavakatoga
