The residents of Mali Island are witnessing the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration as the installation of an underwater power cable from Labasa is underway, which will grant electricity access to the island’s three villages. Pita Baleibau, the representative for the Mali district, expressed the community’s joy, stating they have lived without electricity for many years, a situation that significantly impacted education, healthcare, and overall living standards.
“After many years in darkness, the sight of electric poles being erected filled our community with tears of happiness,” Baleibau said, emphasizing the changes that this development will bring. He noted that the lack of electricity severely limited educational opportunities and business efficiency, as well as the quality of healthcare services in the area.
With the arrival of electricity, children will have the ability to study at night, businesses will operate more effectively, and health centers will be equipped to provide better services to the community. Baleibau conveyed a renewed sense of belief in government support and lauded the positive impact this project will have on their daily lives.
This news aligns with various electrification efforts across Fiji aimed at enhancing infrastructure and providing power to remote communities. Similar to the situation in Mali Island, many other regions, such as Masaranikai and Valelawa, have similarly faced prolonged delays in receiving access to electricity. Residents in these communities have been advocating for power connections to improve their quality of life, highlighting the essential role that electricity plays in education and health services.
As the Fijian government continues its commitment to connecting underserved regions to reliable electricity, there is hope that projects like the one on Mali Island will usher in transformative changes, paving the way for a more prosperous future for residents through enhanced infrastructure. This electric connection not only symbolizes a brighter future for Mali Island but also represents the diligence and aspirations of communities throughout the region seeking similar support.
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