Hydroelectric scheme commissioned in Fiji

SUVA -- The China-constructed Nadarivatu Hydroelectric Scheme was officially commissioned in Fiji on Friday.

A ceremony was held at the dam site surrounding by mountains in Nadarivatu, which was attended by Fiji's Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and high-ranking government officials as well as Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Huang Yong, together with hundreds of joyful local people and Chinese workers.

During the commissioning of the new hydroelectric scheme, Bainimarama expressed his government's thanks to China for funding the project with loans and doing a good job by Chinese technicians and workers.

He highlighted the importance of the scheme, saying the scheme will meet the government's primary objective of lifting the standards of living for all Fijians, which is expected to save the country about 42 million Fiji dollars ($24 million) per year from the importation of diesel fuel.

"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."

"The new energy created by this dam is clean energy. My government together with FEA (Fiji Electricity Authority) is committed to developing clean, renewable and affordable sources," the prime minister stressed.

The Nadarivatu hydroelectric project was constructed under the Sinohydro Corporation Limited at a cost of around $150 million. It was funded by the China Development Bank and some others.

On his part, Sinohydro Deputy General Manager Liu Mingjiang described the successful completion of the Nadarivatu Renewable Energy Project as "a typical example of the cooperation between China and Fiji".

As China's leading corporation in hydropower construction, the Sinohydro relies on its abundant technical strength and rich experience in energy and infrastructures, he said, hoping to further expand the areas of cooperation with the Fijian side on the basis of win-win solutions and co-development to improve the bilateral relations to a new stage.