New dam to save FEA $42m

The opening of the new Nadarivatu Hydro-electricity dam will save Fiji about FJ$42 million per year in the importation of diesel fuel.

This was revealed by Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama at the opening of the new dam at Nadarivatu in Naitasiri today.

This hydro-electric project has been constructed at a cost of around US$150 million.

“One of the primary objectives of my Government is to lift the standard of living for all Fijians. This dam will generate 100 million units of electricity a year that will power our progress—extending power lines to homes in the villages, in the farming areas, in the cities, and to businesses everywhere.”

Bainimarama said progress and modernity should not, however, mean damaging our environment.

“The new energy created by this dam is clean energy.  My Government together with FEA is committed to developing clean, renewable and affordable sources. Nadarivatu is the latest achievement in our objective to meet our goal of providing 90 percent of all our energy requirements through renewable energy sources by the year 2015.”

He said this will not only reduce the deficit in our balance of payments position but ensure that we protect our environment by reducing green house emissions and contribute to the global effort of mitigating risks of climate change and environmental degradation.

He said all of us to continue to work together we will make Fiji and Fijians more prosperous and productive.

Funding for this project was sourced from China Development Bank, ANZ Fiji, Bank of the South Pacific Fiji and FEA’s internal funds.

This is Fiji's only second major hydro scheme. The first and last one, Monasavu was commissioned in 1983 some 30 years ago.

By Ropate Valemei