540 residents and 90 families are expected to have improved power supply following the completion of the Buca Village Hydro Project in Cakaudrove.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the project is advancing under an Asian Development Bank grant, funded through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, in partnership with the Government of Fiji.
He says the upgrade of the Buca Mini Hydro Power facility will significantly improve energy reliability, support community livelihoods, and boost local economic activity.
The Minister adds that the total project cost stands at US$3.4 million, fully financed through ADB support, with the Government providing critical pre-project infrastructure.
In terms of progress, he says key project management roles, including a project manager, environmental specialist, and social safeguards and gender specialist, have been advertised, with interviews completed.
Ro Filipe says final appointments are expected by June 2026, while an operations and maintenance capacity development specialist will be recruited closer to the commissioning stage.
The Minister says this initiative reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to expanding sustainable energy access and improving the quality of life for rural communities.
