A Village Transformed: Wainiyavu Embraces the Benefits of Electricity

Wainiyavu Village in Namosi, located on the picturesque island of Fiji, achieved a significant milestone in December of last year with the introduction of electricity to the village. The provision of electricity was a momentous occasion for the villagers, who had been living without access to modern amenities such as refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and other appliances that are often taken for granted in urban areas.

The electrification of Wainiyavu has had a profound impact on the villagers’ way of life. A stroll through the village reveals that the residents have enthusiastically embraced the use of electric appliances. The availability of electricity has even prompted discussions among some families regarding the potential establishment of additional businesses within the village, signaling an era of economic growth and development.

The process of bringing electricity to Wainiyavu was not without its challenges. The village elders had to surmount various obstacles to transport and install heavy electric poles across the challenging terrain. Their determination and hard work laid the foundation for this transformative change in the village.

For the women of Wainiyavu, the introduction of electricity has brought much-needed relief in their daily household chores. With access to electricity, they can now conveniently wash their clothes at home rather than having to make the trek to the nearby river. However, some women still prefer the traditional method of washing by the river, finding comfort and familiarity in that routine.

Tito Bai, a 72-year-old member of the village, expressed pride in witnessing this significant change and emphasized the potential benefits for the education of the village’s children. “Only some families owned solar before, but now almost all families have access to electricity, and this is a huge relief,” she shared, highlighting how the availability of electricity enables children to study comfortably at night, positively impacting their academic pursuits.

Siviriano Samuela, another respected elder in the village, underscored the newfound convenience for the villagers, no longer necessitating lengthy journeys to Navua town for purchasing frozen food. “Villagers are now selling ice-blocks and even frozen food. We don’t have to travel to Navua for more than an hour for this,” Mr. Samuela shared, emphasizing the economic opportunities that have emerged as a result of this transformation.

The electrification of Wainiyavu has indeed ushered in a new era of progress and improved living standards for the villagers. With access to electricity, they are now able to enjoy modern conveniences, engage in more economic opportunities, and create a better environment for the education and overall well-being of the community. This milestone is a clear testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Wainiyavu, and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the village’s history.