Mini hydro powers electricity for homes in Bukuya

March 28, 2022

Latileta Vusele has experienced life without electricity. Life was tough. She had to hand wash all her family’s clothes, fetch firewood to boil water and cook food, use a candle or kerosene lamp to use the bathroom at night. But since 1997, she’s been able to use a washing machine, rice cooker, electrical kettle and connect to the internet for emails and her daily dose of the news.

Miles into the interior of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji lies Bukuya. In 1997, the Government of Fiji in partnership with the Chinese government constructed the Bukuya Mini Hydro project.

What began as a pilot scheme under the Fiji Renewable Energy Power Generation Programme has now turned into a viable business venture that promotes green energy, reduces carbon emissions and contributes to the livelihood of the people of Bukuya.

The Bukuya Mini Hydro Project is fully owned and managed by the people of Bukuya through the Bukuya Mini Hydro Limited. The power supply of 100 kilowatts provides for the three villages of Bukuya, Tabalei and Tabuquto. That’s electricity to 275 homes in rural Fiji.

“The Bukuya Hydro Project falls under the Fijian government's rural electrification programme. UNDP [has] been working since about 2000, on projects here in trying to bring energy to rural communities,” said Kevin Petrini, Deputy Representative, UNDP North Pacific Sub-Office. 

“We are blessed in Fiji because we got the potential of micro hydro projects specifically fit for a rural community and Bukuya project was one of those projects that the government of Fiji has implemented,” said Mikaele Belena, Department of Energy Director.

In 2015, following the Category Five Cyclone Winston, the Government of Fiji, Department of Energy, Global Environment Facility together with UNDP supported the rehabilitation of the hydro power plant and the implementation of a sustainable operation for the newly established company - Bukuya Mini Hydro Power Limited.

Alumita Ciwanacagi, Principal of Magodro Secondary School said “Since the establishment of this electrification, it has really improved our education, especially for students from around here. Officers from the Ministry of Education are commenting that we are lucky to have 24-hour electricity. So, we are able to use computers, we are able to use mobile phones, ease of access, we can send emails around Viti Levu, around Fiji and around the world. We can also watch television, update ourselves with the news and current affairs.”

In agreement with her is Dr Kim Macalino, Bukuya Health Centre Medical Officer, “I have seen a lot of difference when there's electricity in the facility. So, therefore it has good and excellent functional lighting to our health service delivery.”

He added, “It has helped a lot of people in the surrounding areas to communities and settlements. Sometimes it's difficult for them to go to town areas. And then there's a lot of expenses they have lack of financial support.”

The establishment of the Bukuya Hydro Power Limited is a good example of a public private partnership (PPP) model which is an agreement between a community entity and a private company.

“This is a best practice for Fiji, this public private partnership through the special purpose company, which is what we're trying to replicate and upscale in Fiji and in particular the other Pacific Island countries,” said Emma Sale, Programme Analyst, Resilient and Sustainable Development Unit, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji. 

“Engaging the local communities to take charge of the operations and the management of the power utility. And, you know, setting up a self-sustaining fund to take care of the operations and maintenance aspects of the renewable energy technology,” she said.

“The main critical component for sustainability of a project is for the community to take ownership of the project. They need to buy into the terms and condition because without their contribution, we will not be able to sustain the project,” said Mikaele Belena, Department of Energy Director.

Bukuya Mini Hydro Project is a great example of commitment and partnership from all stakeholders, particularly from the community. Working together is crucial to ensure longevity and success as well as replication into other communities in Fiji and the Pacific.

“These partnerships are crucial for sustainability. I think the words that you hear from them will show that they have the buy in, they have the ownership. They want to make it work because it makes good sense for their lives. And ultimately that's how a project is sustainable,” said Mr. Petrini.

For Latileta Vusele, this means a better, fulfilled life not only for herself but for generations to come. She is determined to see it through even if that means working together to ensure Bukuya Mini Hydro Power is a success. She said, “It has brightened up our lives in terms of what we do in our homes and in the community. I don’t want to go back to what it was like before and I know together we can make it happen.”