China will fund a $10.8 million small hydropower plant in Fiji, after completing preliminary requirements. The project will be built on Fiji’s third largest island, Taveuni, to reduce its reliance in diesel-powered generators. The dam site is on a creek interspersed with high falls up in the forests behind Somosomo village.
“This project will light up Somosomo and surrounding areas,” said Eliki Bomani, facilitation deputy secretary in the prime minister’s office.
Chinese authorities were reportedly in Fiji three months ago for a final feasibility study and have returned to finalize the designs. The project is done with the preliminary phases.
Fiji’s Ministry of Information confirmed that once the government approves the project, they will put it out for tender in China.
The Chinese will begin construction work after the public tender in China is made and details of the contract are finalized.
The two countries signed an intergovernmental trade agreement back in 1997. As of the end of 2008, Chinese enterprises invested $22 million in Fiji.
Fiji is now China’s fourth largest trading partner in the Pacific Islands, while China is Fiji’s seventh largest trading partner around the world.
Relying on diesel-powered generators, Fiji ranks high for consumption of petroleum fuel around the Pacific, consuming 3.5 million metric tons.
