The National Fire Authority (NFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vodafone Fiji Limited to facilitate digital financial transactions. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and modernization as part of NFA’s strategic plan. The agreement allows the NFA to utilize Vodafone’s MPaISA platform, enabling businesses and the public to make payments seamlessly.
NFA CEO Puamau Sowane highlighted that this initiative is a step toward supporting the Government’s green growth framework by reducing paper usage and minimizing financial mismanagement risks. Moreover, the implementation of this cashless system is expected to strengthen transparency and accountability in NFA’s operations.
Shailendra Prasad, Vodafone Fiji’s head of eCommerce, further emphasized the advantages of a cashless system in fostering data integrity while also saving time and finances. With MPaISA, payments can be collected in real-time, drastically improving the payment process for NFA services, which include fire safety training and emergency ambulances.
This partnership aligns with broader efforts in Fiji to modernize financial services and promote economic growth. The recent integration of Vodafone’s M-PAiSA with the national payment system has already demonstrated effectiveness in promoting financial inclusion, drastically reducing the proportion of unbanked individuals from 45% in 2010 to approximately 6% today.
By embracing digital payment solutions, the NFA and Vodafone are contributing to a cashless society in Fiji. With these advancements, there is a strong hope for economic empowerment across the population, providing citizens with better access to essential services and enhancing their overall quality of life.
This initiative not only modernizes the NFA’s processes but also positions Fiji as a forward-thinking nation in adopting innovative financial solutions, potentially elevating the living standards of its citizens.
Leave a comment