NADARIVATU landowner Pauliasi Matawalu is calling for the full backing of the Government to facilitate the establishment of the Qaliwana hydro project on his property. During a recent Meet the Press event held in Ba, Matawalu expressed the discontent of his community regarding the inadequate returns from land previously allocated for significant energy initiatives, such as the Monasavu and Nadarivatu Dam projects.
“We were offered very little for the land we provided—about 1000 acres for Monasavu and a couple of thousand acres for Nadarivatu—as we were receiving just peanuts in return,” he stated. Frustrated with their previous experiences with Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), Matawalu and his community seek to independently pursue energy generation, underscoring their readiness to take matters into their own hands with proper government support.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged Matawalu’s concerns and emphasized the necessity of a detailed proposal, complete with technical specifications, to secure funding for this renewable energy initiative. “The Government has a vested interest in exploring renewable ventures as we aim to shift from fuel-generated energy to sustainable sources,” said Rabuka, affirming the importance of such projects that align with environmental goals and climate funding opportunities.
In a related matter, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has come under scrutiny from landowners in Ba, including trustee Sitiveni Limanisa, for allegedly waiving a tenant’s lease arrears without proper consent from the landowning unit. Limanisa criticized the TLTB’s handling of the issue, pointing out the absence of a consent letter regarding the lease waiver for a tenant who has failed to pay their dues. The TLTB acknowledged a mix-up during a meeting with Limanisa, indicating the need for oversight in these processes.
The challenges surrounding infrastructure development don’t stop there. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, the Minister for Transport and Public Works, highlighted the ongoing struggle with a diminishing skilled workforce and obstacles in the procurement process, which is hampering the extension of the national electricity grid and several public works projects. “The loss of skilled professionals and procurement issues are significant hurdles we face, often influenced by external factors and contractor performance,” he noted.
Moreover, basic utility access remains a pressing issue across various communities. For example, families residing at Kasita Settlement in Ba have reported living without electricity, despite promises made by the previous government to rectify the situation. Resident Mukesh Chandra has voiced the growing frustration, emphasizing their critical need for power. In response, Director of Energy Mikaele Belena assured residents that the Government would take measures to assist in addressing their electricity needs.
These stories of local struggles are reflective of a broader movement throughout Fiji, with many communities advocating for improved infrastructure. Similar issues have been reported in areas like Raukanace and Masaranikai, where residents are also anxiously waiting for electricity connections and basic necessities. Encouragingly, government commitments to rural electrification, alongside ongoing dialogue between communities and officials, suggest that these issues are beginning to gain the needed attention for potential resolution.
The continued advocacy and resilience shown by communities across Fiji shine a light of hope, indicating that with the right support and collaboration, long-standing challenges in accessing fundamental utilities may soon transform into lasting solutions.
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