Energy

Fiji's China-funded hydro plant awaits final designs

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-01-05 13:53

SUVA - Work on Fiji's Somosomo Hydro Plant in Taveuni should begin early 2011 with the completion of the dam and site designs by Chinese investors, according to the Fijian Information Ministry on Wednesday.

The dam site is a creek interspersed with falls high up in the forests behind Somosomo village.

The information ministry told local media that the preliminary phases of the project had been done and what is left is for the Chinese investors to complete the final design of the project.

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According to the Fijian government, the China-funded 20 million Fiji dollars ($10.8 million) project would solve Taveuni's power problems on the island which was heavily reliant on diesel-powered generators.

Preliminary works on the project and the environmental impact assessments have been completed. This project will light up Somosomo and surrounding areas.

Chinese authorities were in Fiji three months ago for a final feasibility study and have returned to finalize the designs, it was reported.

Fiji's Ministry of Information confirmed that once it is approved by the Fiji government they will put it out for tender in China.

The Chinese company will begin the construction work after the public tender in China is made and details of the contract is finalized, it added.