THE proposed Fiu hydro-power project is set to roll.
Malaita Province’s principal energy officer David Dauta confirmed this to Solomon Star.
Mr Dauta said that the project which is funded for by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to kick start this month and August.
“All formalities in regards to this project have been completed with work expected to kick start this month (July) or in early August,” he said.
“The landowners have already given their undivided support towards this project,” Mr Dauta said.
The ADB funding will come through a US$6 million grant and another US$6 million loan.
Mr Dauta added that along with the Fiu hydro-power project, ground work on three other priority sites have been carried out.
They include Silolo in the North, Aiarai in the East and Loaloa in the South.
“With Fiu ready to go, our focus is now on the other three sites,” Mr Dauta said.
He said that consultations with landowners in these sites have already taken place and proven to have been fruitful.
Mr Dauta said that after developing the four sites, a major power line grid will be built across the island from Kadabina in the north to Small Malaita.
The power project was part of the province’s 10-year Strategic Plan (2007-2017) – a roadmap development to guide Malaita’s development aspirations
By JEREMY INIFIRI
In Auki