Project Implementation in Fiji
In Fiji, project activities was implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute in partnership with the Government of Fiji through the Climate Change and International Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Economy.
Initially, Mr. Ulaiasi Butukoro (GGGI’s Fiji Program Officer) acted as National Coordinator for the project, but from 2022, the Fiji National Coordinator was changed to Ms. Alitia Sovunidakua (GGGI Consultant)
The projects preliminary assessment identified the following tentative localities for project implementation: Beqa Island, Taveuni Island, Kadavu Island, Gau Island and sites in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Some of the identified constraints in sustainability of RE rural electrification projects in Fiji were:
- Lack of proper management (O&M and financial) of community-based systems projects.
- Limited skills and knowledge of local communities to operate and maintain electrification systems in rural communities.
- Urban migration of trained technicians entrusted to operate and maintain and/or manage community-based rural electrification projects.
- Limited budget and resource in government agencies i.e. DOE to main stream capacity building on operation and maintenance of rural electrification projects on an annual basis.
- Response time of RESCOs to the communities and vice versa to repair/replace parts is very weak and often too much of a delayed issue.
- Unavailability of replacement/spare parts in the communities or at a district is an issue
- Insufficient information on where to access spare parts and linking communities to suppliers
- High cost and lack of spare parts available.
- High cost of transportation and logistics of parts, etc.
- Distance from main market center’s.
Fiji National Workshop
The National workshop took place on 24 July 2019 at the Tiri Bar and Restaurant, Nasese FNU Campus, Fiji National University, Suva.
The workshop was organized to engage and get the support of key national stakeholders before the national implementation of the project. There was a good representation of the various national stakeholders and institutions which included the Ministry of Employment, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Fiji Higher Education Commission, iTaukei Affairs Board, University of Fiji, University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University, Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas Network.
The selected communities trained in Fiji were:
- Bukuya Village, Ba, Viti Levu Island
- Vunisea, Kadavu Island
- Rukua Village, Beqa Island
- Buca and Tukavesi Villages, Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu Island
- Tutu Village, Taveuni Island