Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697725233102.pdf (Fiji)
LIST OF WITNESSES WRITTEN EVIDENCES Report of the Auditor General –Performance Audit Reports on: (Parliamentary Paper No.

153 of 2019) No.

Witnesses 1.

Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services Management of Rural Electrification Program 2.

Energy Fiji Limited Management of Rural Electrification Program 3.

Ministry of Forestry Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Page No.
2 40 63 Ministry of Infrastructure Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Services Performance Audit Report – Management of Rural Electrification Program (PP No.

153 of 2019) PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WRITTEN RESPONSE 1.

Policy and Procedures for the Rural Electrification Program Please advise on the status of consultation with stakeholders and the update on the review of the Rural Electrification policy and Standard Operating Procedures.
Response: The draft Electrification Policy has undergone the second round of consultation with the stakeholders.

We are expecting to receive all comments by the 20 March 2020 before onward to cabinet for endorsement.

Some of the major highlights of the policy include the expansion of the scope or the boundaries of the policy to incorporate those households in the peri-urban and urban areas including improper/squatter settlements.

However, this is carried out by certain restrictions and conditions.
In addition, the policy also promotes the use of least cost technologies for our electrification program.

Similarly, the existing Standard Operating Procedures will be reviewed and updated to align to the draft Electrification Policy.

This will be done once the policy has been endorsed.

(Attachment 1: Draft Electrification Policy 2020) 2.

Human Resources Please advise what is the status of the staff structure of the Rural Electrification Unit?
Response: Currently for Rural Electrification unit has 18 staffs which includes the following:  1 x Principal Technical Officer  2 x Supervisor High Grade  13 Technical Assistants (Fitters & Electricians)  2 x Clerical Officer The Department has proposed a new structure which will consist of 10 additional staff in the draft Electrification Policy.
In addition, from the past 6 years when consumer contributions were waived for all Electrification projects, the number of applications and projects has increased immensely.

Thus, the need for additional staff and the new structure will boost the performance and monitoring of the Rural Electrification unit.
Other units under Department of Energy (total staff 59) are:  Renewable Energy Development Unit 1 Ministry of Infrastructure Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Services  Demand Side Management Unit  Biofuel/Petroleum Development Unit  Administrative & Accounts Unit 3.

Funding of Rural Electrification Unit Programs Can the Director Energy provide the summary of the REU Programs by divisions with its associated costs as at March 2020?
Response: The Rural Electrification program consist of two types of schemes and these are; a.

Grid Extension program and housewiring b.

Solar Home Systems Grid extension program For 2018/2019 Budget, $18.7M was paid to EFL for the Grid Extension to power 2,326 households.

Currently, all these schemes are under design and construction stage with EFL.

Some of the schemes which were mentioned in this budget are yet to be paid.

The breakdown for the overall projects are as follows: No.
Division Amount Paid 1 2 3 Central Western Northern TOTAL $874,604.66 (73 HH) $8,254,350.61 (1007 HH) $9,644.286.00 (1246 HH) $18,773,241.27 (2326 HH) Amount yet to be paid $206,044.25 (13 HH) $3,392,717.83 (305 HH) $3,301,254.00 (275 HH) $6,900,016.08 (593 HH) For 2019/2020 Budget, a total of $9.2M was allocated for Grid extension program and as of March 2020, total paid project was $5,520,931.00 to EFL.

The work is currently under design and construction stage.
Solar Home System The Solar Home System (SHS) program commence in 2018/2019 (Supply of Components) and completed in 2019/2020 (Installation) Budget year.

The breakdown are as follows: No.

Division Central 1 Western 2 Northern 3 Eastern 4 TOTAL No.

of Household 193 274 1,278 798 2,543 Total Cost ($FJ) $733,400.00 $1,041,200.00 $6,376,400.00 $3,032,400.00 $9,663,400.00 Currently all systems are installed and the customers are enjoying power from SHS.
2 Ministry of Infrastructure Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Services Solar Hybrid System In addition, the Department has installed 3 Hybrid Power System in the last two years as follows: No.

of household 95 72 68 Location Tukavesi village, Cakaudrove Solevu High School, Bua Namara village, Kadavu Total Cost $1M No.

1.

2.

3.
1.

2.

3.

$685,046.28 $3.5M ($3M from Korean Government and $500,000 – Fiji Government) Maintenance and Servicing The Department also have program for the maintenance of all SHS and Diesel Generators.

From the past 2 years, the Department has spent around $600,000 to upkeep these systems.

Cyclone Rehabilitation Works Currently the Department is carrying out 2 cyclone rehabilitation works as follows; c. TC Winston - Diesel Schemes for 17 villages in Koro and Vanua Balavu.
The work is in progress and cost is around $3.5M.

d. TC Keni – For SHS, the Department is currently doing rehabilitation work which cost around $855,067.24.

The supply of equipment has been received.

4.

Administration and Implementation of Rural Electrification Program a. Diesel Generator Scheme Can the Department of Energy please provide an update on whether the Department of Energy have incorporated the changes in the Rural Electrification policy?

If not, why not?
If not, why not?

Response: The draft policy promotes the use of sustainable and affordable electricity supply.

This includes the installation of solar-diesel with mini-grid system.

Government is phasing out the use of diesel generators alone due to high fuel costs, lack of technical and managerial skills and high operation and maintenance cost.

(Refer to draft Electrification Policy Section 8.3.1 on Community Mini-Grid System) b.
Solar Scheme Please provide an update on the finalisation of the REU policy and the SOP?

Can the Director of Energy explain on how does the Rural Electrification program incorporates the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation on Rural Electrification funding programs?

Response: In the draft Electrification Policy, a section has been included for donor funded projects.

This will also include the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.
The section highlights the process and 3 Ministry of Infrastructure Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Services procedure to be followed before the project is implemented.

This includes but not limited to the vetting of the project design and the operational/business model that the company intend to use.

It is in the best of Government that such projects are sustainable and in line with the existing policies and plans.

(Refer: Section 8.3.3) 5.


Installation Arrangements Renewable Energy Service Company Can the Ministry provide an update on the following: a. appointment of the clerk to assist in the updating of the records also following on the arrears of revenue; Response: Due to the meritorious candidate declining the offer, the post was re-advertised on 22/02/20 and has closed on 28/02/20.

It is expected that OMRS process will complete in the next 6 weeks.
Meanwhile, an officer has been sideway transferred to carry out duties of the post until the post is filled.

b. provide on the update of the database; and Response: Currently each unit has its own database (Excel) which are updated regularly.

These include new applications, revenue and maintenance record updates.

c. update on the arrears of revenue.

Response Currently, there are a total of 13,500 systems installed in rural and maritime communities.
Each household is required to pay $18/month rental which caters partial maintenance cost of the system.

These revenues are manually collected on a quarterly basis by our revenue collectors.

As of December 2019, the arrears accumulated are approximately $6,868,712.00.

Some of the challenges faced by the Department include; 1.

Insufficient resources (manpower) - there are a total of 14 revenue collectors who apart from collecting revenues from consumers, have also been assigned with other duties.

2.
2.

Manual collection – very costly exercise, mobilization cost is higher than revenue collected.

For example, in Lau Group, an Officer might be spending $3000 to collect $500.

3.

Accessibility to project sites – the project sites are sparsely distributed in the rural, remote & maritime areas where accessibility is an issue.

4.

Compliance to financial manual - banking cannot be done on the same day due to the site remoteness and unavailability of banking facilities.

6.
6.

Records Maintenance Please provide an update on the database and has the department followed up with ITC on this issue?

If not, why not?

4 Ministry of Infrastructure Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Services Response Currently, the Rural Electrification Unit is storing all data through an excel spreadsheet.

This is managed by two Clerical Officers who manually update each individual customer’s information as the application progresses.
The Department has already had some preliminary discussions with ITC on the development of a database, however this will be proposed as part of the department submission in the next budget year.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.

Describe briefly, the general level of awareness by the staff members of your Department, of Fiji’s 5 years & 20 years National Development Plan, the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the SAMOA Pathway?
Response SDG, MDG SAMOA Pathway NDP & NDC Roadmap Ministry’s SDP (2019- 2022) Department COP OLA/IWP The Ministry’s Strategic Development Plan (SDP) is closely aligned to the 5 year & 20 year NDP and other National planning frameworks of Government.

These national planning documents contextualize Governments commitments as enshrined in the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) and SDGS.
At the Department level, the Costed Operational Plan (COP) highlights the department’s Annual Work Program as per the allocated budget.

This is further broken down into the Operational Level Agreement (OLA) of individual staff.

These targets are thoroughly discussed with individual staff and how it contributes to the Department, Ministry, National & International targets and commitments.

2.
2.

Describe the mechanism, in any, currently in place in your Department to enhance awareness of your staff members, of the alignment between the national development priorities, as per the Fiji’s 5years & 20years National Development Plan, with the SDGs and its targets and indicators?

Response As discussed above, the OLA of individual staff contributes to the achievements of the Departments COP, Ministry’s SDP and progressively to the national and international commitments.
These are programmed to individual staffs key performance indicators which are regularly monitored through monthly and quarterly briefings.

3.

Describe how your Department monitor and report on the progress of the implementation of Fiji’s 5years & 20years National Development Plan and of the SDGs under your responsibility?

5 Ministry of Infrastructure Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Services Response At the Department level, we provide monthly progress report on the Department COP.
In addition, the Department submits the Quarterly Performance Progress Report (QPPR) to the Ministry of Economy on the achievements for each quarter.

4.

Is your Department a part or member of an inter-agency or inter-ministerial/department co- ordination mechanism that plans, monitor and evaluates the progress of the implementation of the National Development Plan and the SDGs under your responsibility?

If yes: a) How often does it meet?

b) What aspects of its function can it be improved?
Response Yes, the Ministry/Department is part of the Project Coordination and Planning Committee (PCPC) headed by Ministry of Economy.

The other members include FRA, WAF, EFL, LTA, TFL, HAF and others.

One of the key objectives of the meeting is to monitor and discuss the overall progress of the infrastructure development in the country.

The meeting is held on a monthly basis.


There needs to be proper coordination and consultation on all existing and future infrastructure developments with the key stakeholders.

In addition, there needs to be an integrated infrastructure master plan for Fiji.

If no: c) Do you see the need for such a mechanism?

5.

Do you think your Department is sufficiently equipped to ensure an integrated and coordinated decision making process for SDGs implementation and for strategic planning?
Response Government have set very ambitious target in the 5 yr & 20 yr NDP to achieve 100% electricity access by 2021 and to increase our Renewable Energy target to 100% by 2036.

Department is not sufficiently equipped to achieve these targets on its own but will require a concerted and holistic partnerships and coordination with all stakeholders.
The Department have been working collaboratively with regional and international partners such as SPC, GIZ, JICA, KOICA, GGGI, WB, IRENA, ISA to address barriers confronting the energy sector.

6.

From your perspective, what are or ought to be the roles/functions of the lead government agency for coordinating the SDG implementation, and (b) how have these roles/functions been institutionalized?

Response Currently, Ministry of Economy is coordinating the implementation of the SDGs.
One of the roles 6 Ministry of Infrastructure Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Services of the lead agency is to ensure that the existing policies and plans integrate and harmonize.

In addition, they should also coordinate and ensure that funding received by Government are properly channeled and put to optimum use.

lead agency) 7.
lead agency) 7.

From your best recollection, what steps has the Fiji Government taken so far to update or review in order to support the SDGs institutional setup (beyond the SDGs its implementation?

Response Government has signed and ratified a number of international framework agreement and commitments.

These include the Paris Agreement, International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement, IRENA Framework Agreement and amongst others.
These agreements sets very strong foundation and a vehicle for Government to achieve its international commitments and targets.

8.

Briefly describe steps, if any, taken by your Ministry or Department to engage sub-national level including authorities, including provincial, district and community level authorities, in the design and implementation of policies and measures related to SDGs realization (for example by encouraging the localization of the SDGs or the design of local strategies)?
If so, what initiatives have been taken in this respect and what have been the results and or challenges so far?

Response The Department is working in collaboration with the Financial Institutions through the Sustainable Energy Financing Program (World Bank Program) to provide financial assistance for customers interested to use renewable energy technologies.

In addition, we have the Solar Mama Program which engages rural women to install solar program in rural villages and settlements.
Our local tertiary institutions have also carried out scientific research and monitoring of the different technologies that can be applied locally.

At the sub-national level, the Department has been providing awareness through the Provincial, District Advisory Council Meetings and even roadshows ion the assistance provided by Government to promote the use of renewable energy technologies.

One of the biggest challenges is on the accessibility of the funding assistance.
The process and requirements provided for by the Financial Institutions is too rigid for rural communities to access.

9.

What institutional arrangements or mechanisms are in place in your Department to engage civil society organizations, scientific community and private sector in the monitoring, review and follow-up of the SDGs?

Response The Department have undertaken a number of research with donor partners and tertiary institutions on the energy sector.
These include but not limited to the Electric Vehicle Study done by United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Hybrid training for Fiji by JICA, Grid Integration Stability Study by IRENA and others.

In addition the Department outsource all its capital projects to private companies.

These include supply and construction works.

Communities are trained to operate and maintain these projects.

10.
10.

Do you think there is an interest within your Department to learn more about other countries 7 Ministry of Infrastructure Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Services experiences, training, tools, partnership arrangements, peer-to-peer learning, curricula and be a part of a global public service award system on SDGs implementation?

Response Yes, there is a need to learn from other countries and also share knowledge, trainings, partnership arrangements and best practices in this area.
8 2020 1 | P a g e MINISTER’S FORWARD 2 | P a g e Contents DEFINITION ............................................................................................................................................ 54 ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................. 65 PART A - POLICY DOCUMENT – INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 77 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 THE OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................... 77 THE POLICY DOCUMENT ................................................................................................... 77 PRINCIPLES OF POLICY ..................................................................................................... 88 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES............................ 99 PART B - STATUS & KEY ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED ................................................................ 99 5.0 EXTENSION OF EFL GRID .................................................................................................. 99 6.0 OFF GRID SYSTEMS: MINI/MICRO GRID SYSTEMS (CENTRALIZED OFF GRID SYSTEMS) & SOLAR HOME SYSTEMS (STANDALONE SOLAR) ...................................... 1010 PART C: POLICIES ............................................................................................................................ 1111 7.0 ELECTRIFICATION THROUGH EXTENSION OF EFL GRID .................................. 1111 8.0 OFF GRID SUPPLY ............................................................................................................. 1313 PART D- APPLYING FOR A SCHEME ........................................................................................... 1616 9.0 GENERAL ............................................................................................................................. 1616 PART E – INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE .................................................................................... 1717 10.0 ELECTRIFICATION UNIT STRUCTURE ...................................................................... 1717 PART F – REPORTING, MONITORING, EVALUATION & REVIEW ...................................... 1818 11.0 REPORTING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION .................................................... 1818 12.0 REVIEW ................................................................................................................................ 1818 ANNEX 1 - PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR A SCHEME .............................................................. 1919 1.0 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 1919 2.0 APPLICATION FORM ................................................................................................................ 1919 3.0 INFORMATION SHEET ............................................................................................................. 2020 5.0 SURVEY....................................................................................................................................... 2121 6.0 ELECTRIFICATION COMMITTEES ......................................................................................... 2121 7.0 TRAINING ................................................................................................................................... 2121 PROCEDURE FOR DONOR FUNDED PROJECTS ....................................................................... 2222 9.0 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 2222 10.0 ELECTRIFICATION MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) ............................................................ 2222 ANNEX 2- APPLICATION FORM - ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME ........................................ 2525 ANNEX 3 - INFORMATION SHEET ................................................................................................ 2626 3 | P a g e 1.0 INFORMATION SHEET - SUPPLY FROM EFL GRID ............................................................ 2626 2.0 INFORMATION SHEET - SUPPLY FROM CENTRALIZED MINI-GRID SYSTEMS .......... 2626 3.0 INFORMATION SHEET - VILLAGE/SETTLEMENT SOLAR LIGHTING ............................ 2828 ANNEX 4 - MINIMUM STRUCTURAL BUILDING STANDARD ............................................... 2929 4 | P a g e DEFINITION “Brown Field” - means consumers that have any form of electricity supply either through Government, private companies or any donor agencies “Community” - means village, settlement or informal settlement.
“Consumer” - means villages, settlements in both rural and urban as well as isolated households, schools, “Electricity Supply” - means single phase supply for residential consumer and three phase supply for small commercial premises.

“Green field”- means consumers that don‟t have any form of electricity supply.

“Mini/Micro Grid Systems”- means Centralized Off-Grid systems with their own power generation and distribution networks.
These include but not limited to small hydro, solar, solar-hybrid systems and Rural Government Stations (RGS).

“Off-grid systems”- means systems that are not connected to the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) grid.

“Settlements”- means formal and, informal settlements in urban areas as well as settlements existing outside of the village boundary in rural settings.

.
5 | P a g e ACRONYMS AC AS/NZ BOOT BOO CBA DBOM DC DO DOE EA EFL EMP FEP FCCC GE GPO IRR IPP JV MITT MITDMMS Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Alternating Current Australia New Zealand Standard Build Own Operate Transfer Build Own Operate Cost Benefit Analysis Design Build Own & Maintain Direct Current District Officer Department of Energy Electricity Act 2017 Energy Fiji Limited Electrification Management Plan Fiji Electrification Policy 2019 Fiji Competition & Consumer Commission Grid Extension General Purpose Outlet Investment Rate of Return Independent Power Producer Joint Venture Ministry of Industry Trade & Tourism MSBS NDC NDP NGO O&M PA PPA PPP REP RESCO REU RGS SEIAPI SHS TNK Services Minimum Structural Building Standard National Determined Contribution Implementation Roadmap.
20 years and 5 years Fiji National Development Plan Non-Government Organization Operation and Maintenance Provincial Administrator Pacific Power Association Private Public Partnership Rural Electrification Policy Renewable Energy Service Company Rural Electrification Unit Rural Government Station Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands Solar Home Systems Turaga Ni Koro 6 | P a g e PART A - POLICY DOCUMENT – INTRODUCTION 1.0 THE OBJECTIVE 1.1 The objective of the FEP 2020 is to provide advice and assistance on the provision of reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply to all eligible consumers in Fiji.
The detailed objectives of the FEP are: 1.2 Address the electricity supply to consumers for social and economic development in consideration of the following; 1.2.1 A consumer eligible under the Policy includes villages, settlements and urban (formal and informal), rural public amenities (schools, health centers, etc.)

and rural small commercial premises.

Improve the performance of RGSs and extension of grid (EFL & Minigrid) to nearby communities.
1.2.2 1.2.3 The policy will be consistent with other Government policies.

2.0 THE POLICY DOCUMENT 2.1 The objective of the FEP 2020 is to provide advice and assistance on the provision of reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply to all eligible consumers in Fiji.

Part A of the Policy Document provides information about the general aspects of the policy.

Part B provides information on status and key issues of electrification.
Part C provides the policy statements to address the key electrification issues Part D provides brief outline on how consumers will apply for a scheme Part E outlines electrification unit structure Part F refers to reporting, monitoring, evaluation and review of this policy 7 | P a g e 3.0 PRINCIPLES OF POLICY 3.1 To achieve the objectives of the FEP 2020, the policy must adhere to the following principles: 3.1.1 Consistency Consumers in the same community will be given the same choices.
Any benefits will be shared on an equal basis.

One of the implications of this principle is that all aid will be incorporated into the resources for capital works controlled by the DOE.

The DOE would utilise such resources consistent with all the principles of the policy.

3.1.2 Choice A range of electricity schemes is available, each with its own features for lighting and power.

The capital and maintenance costs vary according to the features offered.
Consumers must be fully informed of these features as well as the respective costs of each type of electricity scheme so that the most appropriate selection may be made by the consumer.

The choice will also depend on cost-effective option available.

3.1.3 Sustainability Electricity supply is envisaged to evolve into 24 hours continuous supplies.

3.1.4 Minimize Costs to Consumer In order to minimize the maintenance costs, consumers will be trained to undertake basic maintenance and repair works.
3.1.5 Accountability The accountability would be manifested in the form of rigorous reporting procedures such as annual, accounting, audit and performance assessment reports aligning to Government policies and plans.

3.1.6 Maximizing Coverage It is the intention of Government that social benefit of electricity is made available to all non-electrified areas in the shortest time possible with the allocated resources.
3.1.7 Prioritization 8 | P a g e It is in the interest of Government to ensure that all Fijians have access to electricity.

Priority will be given to the un-electrified households and or communities.

3.1.8 Transition Policy Some of the principles of the REP 1993 may differ from those implied in this policy.

Consumers who are or have been receiving benefits in terms of the REP 1993 will have those benefits adjusted so that they conform to the new policy.
This adjustment will be implemented over an appropriate period of time to minimize any difficulties that may result.

4.0 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 4.1 To achieve the objectives and principles of the FEP 2020, the duties and responsibilities of the DOE must include, but not limited to the following: a.

To implement this policy in line with the 2013 Constitution, 5 year – 20 year National Development Plan, Electricity Act 2017 and other planning frameworks of Government; b.
To administer the electrification budget allocated by Government; c. To advise consumers on the least cost option for electrification; d. To receive and process applications for electrification; e. To manage the construction of off-grid electrification schemes; f. To provide training for consumers to enable them to effectively operate and maintain electrification schemes; g. To establish effective workable business model on the operation and maintenance of off-grid systems; h. To identify potential renewable energy resources for electrification schemes (e.g.
hydro, solar, hybrid); i.

To scrutinize and vet project proposals and designs on off-grid donor funded projects and carry out inspection at different stages of constructions; j.
To facilitate certification of micro-grids projects with EFL; k. To develop and expand RGS electricity supply systems into nearby communities and load growth centers; PART B - STATUS & KEY ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED 5.0 EXTENSION OF EFL GRID 9 | P a g e Key Issues to be addressed:  Lack of planning in rural electrification  No clear demarcation on the boundaries of the policy.
 High cost of grid electrification to uneconomical areas 5.1 Lack of planning in rural electrification – this has resulted in some communities receiving more than one form of assistance from Government or “double- dipping‟.

For instance, some communities that have been recently installed with SHS are assisted again through EFL grid extension and housewiring.

This has incurred additional costs and resources to government.
5.2 No clear demarcation on the boundaries of the policy – Eventhough the REP 1993 only focus on rural areas however this was not always the case.

There have been instances where assistance was given to those residing in peri-urban and informal settlements within town boundaries.

The revised policy will need to clearly define the scope and to be in-line with government plans and targets.
5.3 High cost of grid electrification to uneconomical areas – Extending of EFL grid infrastructure is capital intensive investment both for government and the private sector.

Government as part of its social obligations has invested substantially on the extension of grid infrastructure to the remote and interior part of the four main islands serviced by EFL.

These investments are not economical and financial viable to EFL due to low returns and high repair and maintenance costs.
6.0 OFF GRID SYSTEMS: MINI/MICRO GRID SYSTEMS (CENTRALIZED OFF GRID SYSTEMS) & SOLAR HOME SYSTEMS (STANDALONE SOLAR) Key Issues to be addressed:  High cost of Installation & Maintenance  Unsustainable business models  Revenue collection methods from consumers  No mandatory standards  Limited Maintenance skills 10 | P a g e 6.1 High cost of installation & Maintenance – investing in off- grid systems is also capital intensive.
The cost of supplying and installing the technology coupled with the logistical, mobilization costs and geographical location of the site all contribute to the increase life-cycle cost of the project.

6.2 Unsustainable business models – community based projects are not unsustainable if it‟s not properly managed by the community.

In most cases, there has been issues of poor governance, mismanagement and unethical or corrupt practices which contribute to the failure of the project.
6.3 Revenue collection methods from consumers – ineffective mode of collections can also affect the revenue collected on the project.

Stringent measures needs to be put in place to ensure effective revenue collection and consumers pay their bills on time.

6.4 No mandatory standards solar installation – the existing market does neither regulate the importation of solar materials and products nor the installation on the ground.
This has resulted on the installation of sub-standard materials and designs on installations done on the ground.

6.5 Limited Maintenance skills – due to the limited technical skills with the communities on the maintenance of mini-grid or SHS, projects are not properly maintained resulting in regular breakdowns.

Government would incur additional expenditure to send out its officers to carry out maintenance and repair works mostly with the remote and isolated parts of the country.
PART C: POLICIES 7.0 ELECTRIFICATION THROUGH EXTENSION OF EFL GRID Key Policies to be implemented:  Develop an Electrification Master Plan.

 Provision of electrification assistance to all consumers  Reduce cost of electrification through application of least cost approach 11 | P a g e 7.1 Develop an Electrification Master Plan - which includes detail strategies and plan on how the Government will provide sustainable electricity access to the people of Fiji.
The plan should ensure that the targets are achieved at minimal cost and least cost approach to government.

7.2 Provision of electrification assistance to all consumers on the following conditions: 7.2.1 All applicants for EFL grid extensions must have proper road access prior to applying for assistance.

EFL will only carry out survey works if the required infrastructure is in place.
7.2.2 All applicants must be responsible to acquire land consent for the pulling of the LV Line and the aerials mains to their houses.

7.2.3 All applicants dwelling must be compliant with the MSBS (Annex 4) to be considered for assistance.

7.2.4 Applicants in urban areas must have a combined household salary of $30,000 or less to be eligible for the assistance.

7.2.5 Applicants applying for house wiring need to be located at the maximum of 300m away from the nearest LV pole.
Any distance more than 300m will need further LV extension.

7.2.6 Government has the right to use an existing intermediate pole for new power supply connections for informal settlements and villages.

7.2.7 Government may compensate for any loss/ damage of crops and or merchantable timber during installations on a case by case basis.

This only applies to projects where the beneficiaries does not own the land involved.

This will be done in close consultation with the relevant government agencies.
7.2.8 To promote and encourage business activities in rural areas, government may fund on the installation of three phase power supply.
7.2.9 Any type of Subdivisions shall also be assisted based on the following: 7.2.9.1 Subdivisions within Mataqali or State land within or outside town boundaries requesting for grid extension will be considered under the Fijian Determination on Capital Infrastructure Consumer Deposit dated 1st December 2017 („the FCCC Determination‟) 7.2.9.2 Consumers residing in Subdivisions can be assisted with house wiring works if they qualify under 7.2.4 7.2.10 Consumers within informal settlements shall provide land consent from the following sources: 12 | P a g e 7.2.10.1 Crown Lease Land – Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources 7.2.10.2 Native Lease Land – Land Owning Unit 7.2.10.3 Freehold Land- Consent from registered owner 7.2.10.4 Substandard structures identified during survey that does not comply to the MSBS in Annex 3 will not be assisted.
7.3 Reduce cost of electrification through application of least cost approach.

Households within 2km of EFL grid and other requirements in 7.2 shall qualify for grid supply.

Those households that are beyond the 2km boundary will be provided with other types of schemes.

8.0 OFF GRID SUPPLY Key Policies to be implemented:    Implement the least cost approach Improve sustainability of SHS business models Improve sustainability of mini grid business models.
8.1 Implement the least cost approach to the provision of electricity on the following terms: 8.1.1 Green fields will be given priority over Brown fields in cases of limited budget.

8.1.2 Green fields customers within the vicinity (2km) of an existing mini grid system may be provided with electricity from the mini grid system; 8.1.3 Brown fields will be upgraded to the least cost technology provided the existing power supply is no longer in operation.
Government has the right to relocate the existing power supply where it deemed necessary.

8.2 Improve sustainability of SHS business models through the following options: 8.2.1 Option: Ownership with Government 13 | P a g e 8.2.1.1 Government owns the system and Renewable Energy Servicing Companies (RESCOs) to carry out maintenance and collection of tariffs from consumers.
8.2.1.2 Each individual household is required to pay a monthly rental fee of Eighteen Dollars ($18/month) unless and until the fee has been reviewed and adopted by Government.

8.2.1.3 Projects will be clustered into Service Areas (SA) and competitive tender to be called for each SA.

8.2.1.4 The monthly rental collected from communities will act as the service charges for the RESCOs.

8.2.1.5 Each contract will be for a period of not more than five (5) years.
8.2.1.6 Each contract will be for a period of not more than five (5) years.

8.2.1.7 Modification and tampering of SHS by consumers is not permitted at any given time.

DOE reserve the right to pull out the systems or report the offender in such a case; 8.2.1.8 DOE to provide RESCO‟s with major spare parts from the first 2 years of operation and RESCO to be responsible thereafter until the expiry of contract.

8.3 Improve sustainability of mini grid business models.
Any single power source supplying power to all houses in a community and or settlements through transmission and distribution network is considered a mini-grid system.

Mini grid systems funded through government will be governed by the following: 8.3.1 Community Based Mini-grid Systems 8.3.1.1 All mini-grid system must through a Cooperative, company or other business models.

The Government may assist the company registration where deemed necessary.
facilitate with register either 8.3.1.2 The Cooperative/Company must comply with the existing Cooperative Guidelines or the Company‟s Act 2015.

8.3.1.3 The Cooperative/Company for Generator/Installation License to the FCCC which will be issued upon Inspection & Compliance to presiding standards in line with the Electricity Act Cap180.
apply must 8.3.1.4 During the first three years of operation, government will oversee the operation and management of the project after which ownership will be transferred to the community.

Government will also provide support in terms of technical, management and operation trainings to the communities to allow them to effectively operate and manage the project.

At 14 | P a g e least a member of the Committee or the Directors of the Company must include a female representative.
8.3.1.5 Government in consultation with relevant stakeholders will set an affordable tariff structure that also contributes to the long term sustainability of the project.

8.3.1.6 Government has the right to access and acquire any relevant information or data as and when required.

8.3.1.7 All project design and installations must comply with the local standards adopted by Government.
8.3.2 Rural Government Stations (RGS) 8.3.2.1 The operation of the RGS to be managed by Government through the Divisional Engineer Works Central Eastern (DEWCE).

8.3.2.2 The DEWCE must ensure at all times that the operation of the RGS is carried out in a more economical and sustainable manner with minimum power disruptions.

8.3.2.3 The DEWCE has the right to disconnect consumer‟s power supply if bills are not paid.
8.3.2.4 All RGS must at least achieve 90% of its power supply through renewable energy technologies.

8.3.3 Donor Funded Projects 8.3.3.1 All donor funded projects for rural schools, health centers and communities must register their proposal and obtain approval from the DOE before executing.

8.3.3.2 It should take at least fourteen (14) working days for the Department to vet the proposal.

Any amendments to the proposal must be done within 4 working days and return back to the DOE for clearance.
8.3.3.3 The DOE has every right to reject and disapprove any proposal if it does not meet the required standards and design.

8.3.3.4 The DOE will inspect the project at different stages of implementation to ensure consistency and compliance to the required standard.

This will be carried out at the cost of the donor.

8.3.3.5 The donor must apply for Generator/Installation License to the FCCC which will be issued upon Inspection & Compliance to presiding standards in line with the Electricity Act Cap180.
15 | P a g e PART D- APPLYING FOR A SCHEME 9.0 GENERAL 9.1 The DOE will provide electrification services based on the electrification master plan (Clause 7.1) by complying with the detail procedures given in Annex1, Annex2 and Annex 3.

This will ensure our service is the provided in the most efficient and cost effective manner and maximize value for the consumers.
Our general approach to processing applications will be in two ways; DOE may approach green-fields based on electrification master plan or communities/consumers approach the DOE office and apply for the scheme as usual.

16 | P a g e PART E – INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE 10.0 ELECTRIFICATION UNIT STRUCTURE 10.1 To address the increasing need for electrification, DOE will strategically decentralize its services to ensure timely service delivery.
As such REU is now renamed to “Electrification Unit” and the following structure is proposed: 17 | P a g e PART F – REPORTING, MONITORING, EVALUATION & REVIEW 11.0 REPORTING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION 11.1 DOE will lead reporting and monitoring of all electrification activity, including the implementation of the EP 2020.

Evaluation will be carried out externally either through third party by relevant Government agencies and/or independent non- government organizations as appropriate.
11.2 DOE will monitor the implementation of the EP 2020, including specific progress against the actions contained in NDP and NDC Implementation Roadmap on a yearly basis.

Based on the findings, DOE may decide to review targets and activities as considered necessary.

Cabinet will be updated regularly on an annual basis on the progress and achievements of the policy for its information.
12.0 REVIEW 12.1 This EP (Amended) 2020 policy have a validity period of four (4) years, and be subject to review prior to its expiry, if not reviewed and updated in the four year validity period.

18 | P a g e ANNEX 1 - PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR A SCHEME 1.0 GENERAL This chapter sets out the procedure for villages/settlements to follow to make an application for an electricity scheme.

In addition, it also sets out the procedures to be followed by the DOE to process an application till implementation.
The information contained includes the Application Form, Information Sheet on Types of Schemes, construction, electrification committees and trainings.

Also included are details of the survey.

2.0 APPLICATION FORM A copy of the `Application Form for an Electrification Scheme' is attached as Annex 2.

Copies of the Application Form will also be made available from the PAs and DOs office.

The completed applications will be returned to the PAs and DOs who will then forward them to the DOE in Suva.
Once an application is received at the DOE head office it will be registered in the Applications Register.

The Applications Register will be created by the DOE as a formal document to maintain a record of all applications that are received.

It is preferred this register becomes a specific file within the computer system of the DOE.

The application will be checked against the DOE‟s existing database to ascertain if the applicant has been assisted before and to what extent.
Thereafter the Director of DOE will categorize the application and while all application may be eligible, first priority will be given to green-fields.

Following registration, it is the responsibility of the Director of DOE to ensure the relevant assigned officer is informed of the details of the application.

Thereafter it is the responsibility of the assigned officer to meet with the village/settlement to discuss the application.
It is expected there will be more than one such meeting to discuss the proposed choice of a scheme before it is finalized.

These meetings will include the use of publicity and information materials to ensure the village/settlement is fully informed of all options and the relevant costs.

If need be the Director of DOE will arrange a visit to an existing similar scheme to that proposed to be selected.
19 | P a g e 3.0 INFORMATION SHEET 3.1 An information sheet has been prepared in Annex 3 to assist the DOE during discussions with villages/settlements about the choice of an appropriate scheme.

It sets out details of the various types of schemes for villages/settlements.

This schedule sets out the scope and features of EFL supply; mini grid supply and solar home systems.
3.2 The Information Sheet is an important document such that it will be necessary for assigned Projects Officer to have some formal instruction on their contents.

The Director of DOE will provide this instruction.

The instruction will enable the field staff to discuss the choice of schemes with villages/settlements with if sheets confidence.

villages/settlements request copies for further study, they should be given to them accordingly.
confidential information are not The and 3.3 The consumer (community) will be responsible for providing labour as its form of contribution to the project.

3.4 Government will be responsible for the full capital cost of the project including all fees (connection fees, deposit), stamp duty and levies that may be required by EFL.

Any other additional fees charged by EFL will be the responsibility of the Consumer.
For premises with multiple dwellings that require multiple entries or meters, the Department will provide a single point entry or meter for the whole premise while the additional entries or meters if required will be borne by the owner of the premises at their cost.

3.5 Once a choice of scheme has been made the Director of DOE will then make arrangements for a detailed survey of the site of the scheme.
From this survey a detailed design for the scheme will be prepared and thereafter a final cost estimate determined for budget submission only.

4.0 START OF CONSTRUCTION 4.1 The Director of DOE will also advise the village/settlement of the estimated time of starting construction of the scheme.

It is to be understood the time of construction of any scheme has many dependencies.
One of these is Government approval of the annual budget estimates to finance 100% of the capital cost of the scheme (SHS, Mini-grid projects) or 100% of the required community contribution in the case of EFL rural grid extension projects.

Another is the availability of resources such as manpower and materials.

The Director of DOE will inform the village/settlement about these factors.

He will also keep the village/settlement fully informed of progress towards construction.
The Director of DOE will keep the PAs and DOs informed likewise.

20 | P a g e 4.2 It is the responsibility of the Director of DOE to establish a programme of future work as a formal procedure in the head office so that the future workload is properly identified at all times.

This will facilitate the availability of information to keep villages/settlements, PAs, DOs, Director of Energy and other interested parties informed.
5.0 SURVEY 5.1 The survey referred to in 11.6 above, will be arranged by the Director of DOE and undertaken by his staff.

The Director of DOE will co-ordinate the site survey and/or EFL who will in turn liaise with the village/settlement.

5.2 The village/settlement will assist the survey staff during the survey by providing, at no cost, unskilled labour and accommodation on site.

Survey staff will make their own arrangements for the provision of food.
The village/settlement will also arrange, at reasonable cost, the provision of local road or water transport for the survey staff to access the site.

5.3 During the survey, agreement will be reached with the village/settlement on the location of plant items such as the power house, cable routes, distribution pillars, solar panel supports, etc.

Due consideration must be given to factors such as power plant noise as well as cable routing to provide an efficient electricity distribution system.
6.0 ELECTRIFICATION COMMITTEES 6.1 All community/village seeking Electrification assistance must establish an electrification committee and headed by the TNK or Advisory Councilor.

6.2 In the event of their absence a nominated community representative upon the advice of the TNK or Advisory Councilor may head the electrification committee and confirmed by the PA or DO or Director of DOE.
7.0 TRAINING 7.1 The Government through DOE will facilitate capacity building training sessions for TNKs or Advisory Councilor or the nominated representative of the community on basic maintenance and management of off grid schemes including pre-disaster preparation.

8.0 GRACE PERIOD 8.1 The FEP 2020 provides for a grace period of five (5) years after the installation of mini Grid Systems schemes that are fully or partially funded by government.
The grace period is defined as a period of time following the installation of a scheme during which the full impact of the costs associated with maintaining and sustaining a scheme is effectively catered for by the DOE.

8.2 SHS has an indefinite grace period subject to the lifecycle of the system; 21 | P a g e 8.3 Mini grid systems that are fully funded by Private companies or agencies will not be covered under the benefits of the grace period.
However DOE support will be limited to the provision of technical advice and administration.

PROCEDURE FOR DONOR FUNDED PROJECTS 9.0 GENERAL This chapter outlines the procedures to be followed and adhered to for donor funded projects.

These are projects which are implemented through donor agencies, private companies and even individuals.
The projects include but are not limited to SHS‟s, Hybrid Systems (Diesel Generator with another Renewable Energy System), Centralized Solar Systems with Energy Storage, Micro-Hydro and Wind Energy and so forth.

However, it is imperative that government is engaged in all facets of the project to ensure proper procedures and processes are followed and most importantly to safeguard the interest and participation of the local communities.
The information in this chapter highlights the process and mandatory requirements the donor agencies should submit before the project is executed.

10.0 ELECTRIFICATION MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) The EMP highlights the requirements and detail analysis on how the donor agency intends to implement the Electrification Project.

The EMP will include but not limited to the following; 10.1 FEASIBILITY STUDY A feasibility study needs to be conducted for any project with total value of $100,000 or more.
This should cover market analysis; CBA; evaluation of all types of risks; evaluate impacts to the communities and environment; proposed site; proposed business model; benchmarking and other studies to ascertain feasibility of the project.

10.2 DESIGN & SPECIFICATION 10.2.1 System Design and Layout The system design and layout outlines the project layout in the proposed community.
For example, for Solar Project, the donor agency to clearly demarcate the proposed site for solar installation, powerhouse and reticulation diagram etc.

Google Earth and other tools can be used for this purpose.

10.2.2 Design & Technical Specifications and Standards A system design of the propose project to be submitted together with the specifications including brands and model of all equipment that will be supplied and installed at the proposed site.
All specifications to comply with and adhered to the guidelines of the Australia, New Zealand and SEIAPI.
Some of the standards that are used locally include;  AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules 22 | P a g e  AS/NZS 4509 Stand-alone power systems  AS 4086.2 Secondary batteries for stand-alone power supplies PV Array Electrical Installations Supply Generating set Energy Management Programs  AS/NZS5033  AS 3010.1  AS 3595  AS 1359.51 Noise level limits  AS 1768 Lighting Protection These standards are often updated and amended so the latest version should always be applied.
The DOE will undertake inspection in all the different stages of work to ensure that the approved brands, specifications and standards outlined in the proposal are adhered to and implemented.

10.3 FINANCING The donor agency to clearly mention the sources of funding of the project.

These can include but not limited to grants, concessional loans, self-funded or co-financing.
In case the community is required to contribute in cash or in – kind, the donor agency to clearly highlight the amount to be paid together with all support documents and justifications.

10.4 TARIFF STRUCTURE In terms of tariff collection, the donor agency to include the mode and means of collection tariff.

These include but not limited to installing pre-pay or post- pay metering/ systems or manual payment.
Proper and holistic consultation has to be undertaken with the discussion together with community, DOE and FCCC on the best mode to be adopted and will ensure that fair and equitable tariff structure is adopted.

If the donor agency is intending to operate the project and run it as a business model then a detailed and thorough financial analysis with all key indicators (i.e.

payback, IRR, CBA etc.)

is to be submitted.


The government will ensure that the community also benefits from the operation of the project by getting certain percentage of the revenue generated.

This will be deposited into a village development account which can later be used for any socio- economic development projects within the community.

10.5 OPERATION 23 | P a g e The donor agency must clearly mention and identify the model of operation that will be adopted on the project.
These include but not limited to; Build Operate Own Transfer (BOOT) (i) (ii) Build Operate Own (BOO) (iii) Private Public Partnership (PPP) (iv) (v) Grant (vi) (vii) Other Joint Venture etc.

Independent Power Producer (IPP) The donor agency to provide a detailed analysis on the institutional and legal framework of the proposed model that would be adopted.
This includes but not limited to the setting up of a community electrification committee to work together with the donor agency on all aspects of the project.

The committee to be trained and equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge on the technical, operation and maintenance of the project at all level.

24 | P a g e ANNEX 2- APPLICATION FORM - ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME 1.
LOCATION OF VILLAGE OR SETTLEMENT REQUESTING ELECTRIFICATION Name of Applicant(s) Name of Village or Settlement Name of District Province Distance to the nearest EFL line [if chosen 4(d)] __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ 2.
CONTACT PERSON IN VILLAGE OR SETTLEMENT Name __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Postal Address: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Telephone No/Email __________________________________________ 3.
VILLAGE/SETTLEMENT DETAILS Number of households __________________________________________ Do you want electricity for anything other than household lighting and a power point?

If Yes, please specify.

_________________________________________________________________________ 4.
TYPE OF ELECTRIFICATION [please tick] [a] Solar lighting in a community center or church ____________________________________ ____________________________________ [b] Diesel lighting scheme for each household ____________________________________ [c] Hydro scheme for house lighting ____________________________________ [d] EFL 24 hrs connection to each household ____________________________________ [e] Any other (please specify) Signature of contact person: Date ____________________________________ ____________________________________ REQUIREMENTS: FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY 1.
EFL FORM 2.

BIRTH CERT 2.

COPY OF TITLE/TNK LETTER 5.

PASSPORT SIZE PHOTO 3.

TIN LETTER 25 | P a g e ANNEX 3 - INFORMATION SHEET 1.0 INFORMATION SHEET - SUPPLY FROM EFL GRID 1.1 SCOPE OF EQUIPMENT It is important Regional Manager Operation advise villages/settlements who wish to select this scheme, that it must be close enough to an existing appropriate EFL supply (within 2km)to enable such scheme to be economically viable.

This will be determined from the costing calculations during survey.
This scheme includes the following major equipment items: a) An extension of the existing EFL supply to a point adjacent to houses or buildings to be connected to the supply.

b) An electrical installation in each residence consisting of :  Two 18W (2ft) fluorescent lights  One 10A power point  One metre box with main switch and current fuses c) An electrical installation in one community facility to provide appropriate lighting and GPO.
d) A service connection from the EFL supply to each of the buildings which will have an electrical installation.

1.2 FEATURES The features of this scheme are: a) The provision of a continuous power supply.

b) The village/settlement and the individual householders become consumers of EFL and are thereby subject to the rules and regulations which govern an EFL electricity supply.
c) The EFL tariff applicable to the supply includes all maintenance and sustaining costs of the EFL system up to the point of connection of the building service main to the EFL overhead line.

d) The individual consumers are responsible for maintaining and sustaining their own building electrical installations and the service connections from the EFL overhead line.

e) Consumers are not entitled to the benefits of the grace period.
f) The DOE will pay the EFL connection fees; deposit and stamp duty for each building included in the scheme.

2.0 INFORMATION SHEET - SUPPLY FROM CENTRALIZED MINI-GRID SYSTEMS 26 | P a g e 1.2 SCOPE OF EQUIPMENT It is important that DOE advise villages/settlements who wish to select this scheme that the scheme must be close enough to an existing appropriate supply from a centralised generating plant such as RGS or village hybrid schemes to enable such a scheme to be economically viable.
This will be determined from the costing calculations during survey.

This scheme includes the following major equipment items.

a) An extension of the adjacent distribution network from the centralised generating plant to a point adjacent to the buildings proposed to have an electrical installation.
b) An electrical installation in each residence consisting of:  Two 18W (2ft) fluorescent lights  One 10A power point  One meter box with main switch and circuit fuses c) An electrical installation in one community facility to provide appropriate lighting and GPOs as well as a meter box with main switch, and circuit fuses.

d) A service connection from the centralised supply system to each of the buildings with an electrical installation.
e) Any extension to the number of lights and GPOs will be catered for by the consumer.

2.2 FEATURES The features of this scheme are: a) The provision of a continuous electricity supply for larger systems such as in RGS while intermittent for smaller systems.

b) Power source will be from the most viable and locally available energy resources.

This includes either diesel hybrid systems with solar; wind; wave; and can be solely from hydro power or others.
c) The village/settlement and the individual householders become consumers of the power supplier company/cooperative.

They will be subject to the wiring rules AS/NZ 2009.

The local tariff as approved by FCCC will be applicable instead of the EFL tariff.

d) The consumers are not liable for the payment of any maintenance or sustaining costs associated with the supply.

These costs are included in the tariff for the supply.
e) The consumers are liable for the maintenance and repair of the electrical installation in their buildings including the service connections from the local centralised system to the buildings.

f) The consumers will be entitled to the benefits of the grace period 5 years.

27 | P a g e g) Mini grid systems which are 80kw or less will be operated by the Electrification Committee while larger systems will be managed by community cooperatives or private companies.
3.0 INFORMATION SHEET - VILLAGE/SETTLEMENT SOLAR LIGHTING 3.1 SCOPE OF EQUIPMENT This scheme includes the following major equipment items for each individual household: a) Solar panels installed on a Galvernized pole with adjustable tilt brackets b) Three by 9W LED bulb c) One 7W LED bulb d) One 12V sealed battery e) One battery charge-controller f) One by 300W Inverter.
3.2 FEATURES The features of this scheme are: a) A Solar Home System will be provided to a consumer at no capital cost but after MOA/MOU has been signed; b) The village/settlement or individual householders must maintain the systems which usually only involve maintaining the battery charge at the correct level and keeping the equipment clean.

Equipment manual are to be followed; c) The scheme is entitled to the benefits of grace period for the lifetime of the systems.
d) DOE will provide one or more sets of the above major equipment‟s for community facility in order to provide an appropriate lighting installation.

e) Main School building blocks with office will be provided with centralized systems of not more than 5kw.

f) Teacher‟s quarters, Dormitories, library, dining hall and other amenities will be provided with normal SHS.
28 | P a g e ANNEX 4 - MINIMUM STRUCTURAL BUILDING STANDARD 1.0 House Shape 1.1 House or dwelling must be fully enclosed and has minimum two doors and a window.

1.2 House shape should be square or rectangular.

Avoid “T” or “L” shaped houses 2.0 Foundation 2.1 Foundation should be constructed using quality material.

2.2 For concrete floors, steel bars should extend beyond the foundation walls to aid proper securing of the wooden structure to the foundation.
2.3 If timber posts are used to support the building, make certain that they are adequately secured into the ground using concrete.

To aid stability and to avoid isolated movement of the posts, diagonal braces can be used for reinforcement.

3.0 Framing and Cladding 3.1 Ensure that cladding material used provides sufficient strength and that adequate bracing has been provided to withstand high winds.

3.2 Studs spacing should be 24”on centres.
3.3 Studs are doubled around openings 3.4 Diagonal bracing is provided at corners 3.5 Metal straps are used to connect components 4.0 Roofs 4.1 If galvanized sheets are used, ensure that they are of appropriate gauge (24gauge) and are properly secured to ensure adequate resistance in high winds 4.2 Allow sufficient overlaps to ensure that the edges of the sheets can be bent over to prevent lift in high winds 4.3 Roofing nails should be galvanized, with large steel washers at their heads 5.0 Porches 5.1 Build verandahs and porches as separate structures rather than extensions of the main building, so that, if they are blown away, they will not damage the rest of the structure 6.0 Shutters 29 | P a g e 6.1 Shutters should be provided for all glass openings and any other opening that may require protection from strong winds.
If shutters are of the removable type, be certain that they can be installed quickly and easily.

7.0 Design and Construction 7.1 Secure all plates to foundation by means of bolts, straps, wood bracing or by using other special connectors to resist wind or water pressures.
7.2 Secure all studs to sill plates and to top plates using metal connectors or straps 7.3 Ensure that metal straps or connectors have been used to make a positive connection from the foundation through to the structural members of the roof 30 | P a g e PARLIAMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT ON MANAGEMENT OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION (PARLIAMENTARY PAPER NO 153 OF 2019) | Hasmukh Patel | Chief Executive Officer | Energy Fiji Limited | | Parliament of Fiji | | Wednesday 18th March, 2020 | | Fiji Parliamentary Precinct, Government Buildings, Suva | Agenda 1.
Questions – Public Accounts Committee 2.

Sustainable Development Goals 3.

EFL Infrastructure 4.

National Development Plan 5.

Electricity Access 6.

Renewable Energy Plans 7.

Power Development Plan (PDP) 8.

Video Presentation Discussions Public Accounts Committee - Questions 1.

Policy and Procedures for the Rural Electrification Program Please advise on the status of consultation with stakeholders and the update on the review of the Rural Electrification Policy and Standards Operating Procedures.
Response  EFL carries out surveys and preliminary design upon request by the Department of Energy (DOE), Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management & Meteorological Services (MITDM&MS) and provides quotations for identified RE Schemes.

 The DOE advises EFL of the schemes that are earmarked for construction and connection to the EFL Grid on a yearly basis (as announced at the National Budget).
 Once payment is received for the respective RE schemes, wayleaves are obtained, designs are finalized, and construction is programmed (by EFL Teams or Contractors appointed via Tender).

 The Rural Electrification Projects Implementation Committee (DOE, EFL & MoE) meet on a regular basis to review progress.

3 Public Accounts Committee - Questions 2.

Human Resources Please advise what is the status of the staff structure of EFL on RE Unit?
Response  The Parliamentary Paper 153 of 2019 does not make any reference to staff structure of EFL.

 EFL does not have a separate Rural Electrification Unit.

Works required for Rural Electrification Projects are handled by existing teams from the Lands Affairs (Survey & Wayleaves), Design, Finance, Supply Chain, Legal, Construction Team and Customer Services.
(Refer to flowchart for detailed information)  The construction work in the field is managed by EFL Supervisors, Engineers and executed by external Contractors and EFL Construction Crews.

Additional staffing was approved by the Board in the areas of: Lands Affairs, Design and Construction areas to cater for the increase in Rural Electrification work to ensure the schemes were implemented as programmed.

4 Public Accounts Committee - Questions 3.


Funding of Rural Electrification Unit Programs Can EFL provide the summary of the REU Programs by Divisions with its associated costs as at March, 2020.
Response Government Funded Rural Electrification Projects Total RE Schemes Completed Central Western Northern 2017 2018 2019 2020 $10.2M $11.92M $11.18M $1.4M (YTD) 71 18 32 21 127 34 61 32 98 25 43 30 27 6 18 3 Household Connected 3,328 2,469 2,213 295  EFL spent a total of $22.85 million in 2019 on the construction of new Government Rural Electrification Schemes, Grid Extensions for Commercial and Industrial Projects, Power- System Reinforcement Works and Contract Jobs     $11.18M - 98 rural electrification projects, $7.76M - 71 General Extension Projects for Commercial and Industrial Customers and $0.92M - 26 Contract Jobs $2.99M - 23 Distribution Power System Reinforcement Projects 5 Public Accounts Committee - Questions 4.
Administration and Implementation of Rural Electrification a) Diesel Generator Scheme Can EFL advise on the Rural Electrification Policy and whether consultation conducted have incorporated the necessary changes?

If not, why not?

b) Solar Schemes Can EFL explain its role on how does the Rural Electrification Program incorporates the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation on Rural Electrification funding Programs?
Response  a) DOE  b) EFL through its subsidiary, Viti Renewables were involved in the Vio Island Electrification Scheme in Lautoka.

With the Divestment of EFL, this role may need to be reviewed.

6 Public Accounts Committee - Questions 5.

Records Maintenance How does EFL maintain its records database on Rural Electrification and Grid Extensions?
Response Prior to the extension of the EFL Grid:  Surveys are undertaken, Wayleaves obtained, System Load-flow analysis undertaken & approved, Scheme Designs finalized, CAPEX approvals obtained & Tenders called for and awarded to compliant Contractors (Refer to flowchart for detailed information).

 Upon Completion of RE Schemes, EFL updates its Geographical Information System (GIS) Database.
Upon completion of House Wiring by DOE appointed Contractors, Application for Supply Forms has to be lodged to EFL to register the individual Customers to ensure our Customer Database is maintained.

 Progress of all RE Schemes are provided to the Rural Electrification Projects Implementation Committee on a regular basis  Updates are also submitted to the EFL Board on a Monthly basis 7 Public Accounts Committee - Questions Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.
Describe briefly, the general level of awareness by the staff members of your organisation, of Fiji’s 5 years & 20 years National Development Plan, the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the SAMOA Pathway?

2.
2.

Describe the mechanism, in any, currently in place in your organisation to enhance awareness of your staff members, of the alignment between the National Development Priorities, as per the Fiji’s 5 years & 20 years National Development Plan, with the SDGs and its targets and indicators?

3.

Describe how your entity monitor and report on the progress of the implementation of Fiji’s 5 Years & 20 Years National Development Plan and of the SDGs under your responsibility?

4.
4.

Is your organisation a part or member of an inter-agency or inter-ministerial/department co- ordination mechanism that plan, monitor evaluate the progress of the implementation of the National Development Plan and the SDGs under your responsibility?

If Yes: a) How often does it meet?

b) What aspects of its function can it be improved?

If No: c) Do you see the need for such a mechanism?

8 Public Accounts Committee - Questions Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cont.

5.
5.

Do you think your organisation is sufficiently equipped to ensure an integrated and coordinated decision making process for SDGs implementation and for strategic planning?

6.

7.

8.

From your perspective, what are or ought to be the roles/functions of the lead government agency for coordinating the SDG implementation, and (b) how have these roles/functions been institutionalized?
From your best recollection, what steps has the Fiji Government taken so far to update or review its institutional setup (beyond the SDGs lead agency) in order to support the SDGs implementation?
Briefly describe steps, if any, taken by your organisation to engage sub-national level including authorities, including provincial, district and community level authorities, in the design and implementation of policies and measures related to SDGs realization (for example by encouraging the localization of the SDGs or the design of local strategies)?

If so, what initiatives have been taken in this respect and what have been the results and or challenges so far?

9.
9.

What institutional arrangements or mechanisms are in place in your organisation to engage civil society organizations, scientific community and private sector in the monitoring, review and follow-up of the SDGs?

10.

Do you think there is an interest within your organisation to learn more about other countries experiences, training, tools, partnership arrangements, peer-to-peer learning, curricula and be a part of a global public service award system on SDGs implementation?
9 Electricity seems to have an overarching impact on most of the SDGs.

Directly Linked SDG  EFL is for responsible generation, transmission, distribution and retail of electricity in the larger islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau & Taveuni, which for approximately 90% of the country’s population.
accounts the  Uniform tariff rates are charged for electricity used by each consumer group, determined by the Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission (FCCC) in consultation with Government  EFL Electricity Rates are the cheapest in the South Pacific Islands and to most parts of Australia & New Zealand  EFL meets the annual electricity demand with 50% - 65% of clean/renewable energy – past 10 years  EFL envisages inject more diversified renewable energy (Hydro, Solar & Biomass) into the EFL grid in the years to come.
to 11 Strategic Assets & Locations 12 National Development Plan Target – Electricity Access Electricity Access - Government plans to achieve 100% access to basic electricity for all Fijians by 2021.
Years 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Customer Numbers 150,724 155,912 159,017 162,656 167,017 171,939 174,530 182,439 194,404 199,020 Annual Growth 3.44% 1.99% 2.29% 2.68% 2.95% 1.51% 4.53% 4.37% 4.53%  Customer Account Growth – Last 10 years average growth rate is around 3.14%  Currently stands at 200,094 (End of February, 2020) 13 National Development Plan Target – Renewable Energy Target  Renewable Energy Target - Fiji envisions to meet its electricity needs from renewable sources as follows: 81% by 2021, 90% by 2026, 99% by 2031 & 100% by 2036.
Ten Year Generation Mix % EFL Renewable Power Stations Thermal Renewables & IPP  Monasavu Hydro Electric Scheme – 72MW with anticipated generation of 400GWh/annum  Nadarivatu Hydro Electric Scheme – 44MW with anticipated generation 101GWh/annum  Butoni Wind Farm – 9.9MW with anticipated generation of 5GWh/annum  Wainikasou Hydro Electric Scheme – 6.6MW with anticipated generation 26GWh/annum  Nagado Hydro Electric Scheme – 2.8MW with anticipated generation of 12GWh/annum  Wainiqeu Hydro Electric Scheme – 0.8MW with anticipated generation of 2GWh/annum  Somosomo Hydro Electric Scheme – 0.7MW with anticipated generation of 2GWh/annum 14 EFL’s Power Development Plan (PDP)  EFL reviews its 10 year Power Development Plan (PDP) every 2 years.
 The ten (10) year power development plan contains the load forecasting and power generation planning scenarios up to 2026 for Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau and Taveuni Power Systems with associated network assets to be augmented/developed and the investment plan required to implement this 10 year Power Development Plan.
 It is estimated that the total funding to execute the 10 Year Power Development Plan will require an investment of around FJ$2.4B  Development of Power Generation Projects - F$1.6B  Transmission & Distribution Power Network - F$0.8B  EFL expects the private sector to invest in the Power Generation Sector as Joint Venture (JV) Partners, Independent Power Producers (IPP) or on a Private Public Partnership (PPP) basis.
 Ongoing discussions with prospective IPPs to develop various Renewable Energy technologies.

i.e.

Biomass/Waste to Energy Projects, Solar Projects & Hydro Projects.
Renewable Energy Projects Operational Renewable Energy Plants  Biomass  TWIL supplies up to 6MW and 12M - 15M units of electricity per annum  FSC supplies energy to the EFL grid during the crushing season from their Lautoka & Labasa Sugar Mills  Nabou Green Energy Limited has a 10MW plant and started feeding into the EFL grid since July, 2017  Solar – surplus energy from solar roof-top installations are currently fed into the EFL grid at an agreed upon price between EFL & the individual customers and the number keeps increasing – presently 166 customers Prospective Renewable Energy Projects – Viti Levu EFL has plans to develop the following renewable energy schemes:  Biomass – Waste to Energy Plant by utilizing municipal waste – via JV, IPP or PPP model  Solar – 3 x 5MW (without batteries) – via JV, IPP or PPP model in North Western Viti Levu (Sigatoka to Rakiraki corridor)  Hydro – Upper Wailoa/Qaliwana Diversion Project & the Lower Ba Project.
 Presently European Investment Bank is carrying out full feasibility studies for the first project.

The final feasibility report will be completed by July, 2020.

 Furthermore, the intention is to carry out full feasibility studies for the Lower Ba Project as well on completion of the above.

 Hydro – Namosi Hydro Project  3 Hydros in Namosi with a total capacity of 32MW and anticipated total energy output of 120M units/annum.
Feasibilities completed, EIA obtained & land has been acquired by EFL for this Project.
Prospective Renewable Energy Projects – Vanua Levu  There are two independent power systems in Vanua Levu – Labasa & Savusavu  EFL had called for Expressions of Interest for the Development of Grid Connected Renewable Energy Projects in Vanua Levu, covering both Labasa & Savusavu Power Systems – Opportunities for either JV, IPPs or PPP  There is also an opportunity for the establishment of a independent mini grid in the township of Nabouwalu.
Prospective Renewable Energy Projects – Ovalau  The entire island of Ovalau is electrified with fossil fuel generation.

 The present peak demand in Ovalau is 1.6MW  The largest customer in Ovalau is PAFCO with a peak demand of 1.2MW  Study has been undertaken for a Solar Hybrid Plant by a Korean Company  EFL will be calling for expressions of interests soon in this regard.

Prospective Renewable Energy Projects – Taveuni  EFL entered the island of Taveuni in December, 2017.
 Presently only 30% of the island is electrified.

 The remaining 70% will be electrified over the next 2 years.

 The present demand on the island is 340kW and its is anticipated that the demand will increase to 2.4MW once the entire island is electrified by extending the grid.
 The present power generation is as follows:  Somosomo Mini Hydro – 700kW  Waiyevo Diesel Plant – 2 x 1MW  The Mini Hydro Scheme is able to cater for the present demand of 340kW practically throughout the year  Through grant aid, KOICA is in the process of developing a 1MW Solar PV Plant with 400kWh battery capacity to be connected to the grid.

This project is anticipated to be completed by December 2020.
 The prospect for further development is to establish renewable energy schemes of around 1.5MW to 2MW based on the demand growth as the grid is extended over the next 2 years.

VINAKA Hasmukh Patel Jitendra Kumar Karunesh Rao Energy Fiji Limited MINISTRY OF FORESTRY PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE QUESTIONS & MINISTRY OF FORESTRY’S RESPONSES Committee Hearing Performance Audit Report on Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 (Parliamentary Paper No.
153 of 2019) SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY CONSERVATION OF FORESTS AND BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 1.

Land Use Planning and Forest Classification – Ongoing MOE Strategic Planning unit for responsible is consolidation, no response the timeline to finalize the Plan.

Use Land Functions Map was submitted by the MOF of Partially implemented.
Ministry of Economy (MoE) Strategic Planning unit has not finalised the consolidation of the Land Use Plan.

(MoF) has Ministry of Forestry Forest contributed the through of Function Map.

finalisation is not known as no response received from MoE despite status The Could an update be provided on the status of the National Land Use Plan?

The Ministry of Forestry has, to-date, yet to develop a national land use plan as this requires inputs from other agencies as well.
However, the Ministry has, under the REDD+ Readiness Project, started to develop land use plans for the 20 districts identified under the Emission Reduction Program (2020 – 2025).

This work will be continued in collaboration with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) and other relevant SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT to MOE.

OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY several follow-up.

agencies.

2.
agencies.

2.

Awareness Program NFMV do not want to have an MOU with the DF.

The reason is they do not want to create a mishaps on the side of the forest stakeholders.

Other are outlined in the report section of the MOU agreement.

reasons Not Implemented.


Signing of MoU between the Ministry the Nature Fiji of Forestry and Mareqeti Viti (NFMV) on awareness undertaken by NFMV on behalf of the Ministry was unsuccessful as NFMV decline to have MoU as they are self- funded and to avoid mishaps that could affect their organisation.

The 20 district land use plans will cover 451,360 hectares or 24.6% of Fiji’s total land area.
Other work on land use planning that has been completed include, the TLTB’s work and development of land use plans for the Western and Lami-Suva corridors of Viti Levu; and Secretariat of the Pacific (SPREP) work Regional Environment Programme under the Pacific Ecosystem Based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC) on the Taveuni Land Use Plan.

Evidence: Refer to PPT on the ERP sites.

The Ministry’s Extension and Training Division have been undertaking awareness as part of their core responsibilities.
Apart from face to face awareness, the media is widely used to promote and advocate awareness on the work of the Ministry.

The 30 Million trees in 15 Years Initiative (30MT15Y) is an example of the Ministry’s effective Outreach.
Some examples of meaningful contribution from landowners are prevalent in the Ridge to Reef (R2R) Project, Reforestation of Degraded Forests (RDF), Sandalwood Project, and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), all of which involve incentives in the form of cash for work, alternative livelihood sources, training and capacity building as well as village development projects.
In the absence of MOU between NFMV and the is the Ministry, how Ministry doing in terms of providing landowner also awareness resource the getting owners provide to meaningful contribution to land use planning and forest certification?

and there Are involved?

incentives Are there measurable SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY targets undertake this?
in place to Can the Ministry provide an update on the status Fiji the Nature of Mareqeti Viti and other stakeholders awareness?

Measurable targets include number of trees planted, areas of degraded forests reforested, number of communities consulted and responses from the communities which are widely broadcasted through social media.
(CI), Union International The Ministry works closely not only with NatureFiji/MareqetiViti (NFMV) but several other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) such as Conservation International for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), National Trust of Fiji, Soqosoqo Vakamarama and Grace TRI FAM.

These agencies promote conservation and biodiversity enhancement in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry.
They are also part of the Protected Areas Committee (PAC) under the Ministry of Environment and of which Ministry of Forestry is a member.

All conservation efforts are addressed though the PAC committee.

3.

Forest Inventory The Ministry responded that try they will creating a portal in its website to accommodate the NFI reports.

Not Implemented.

The Ministry is yet to upload in to its website any of the three NFI reports for the 3 NFI conducted.
Can the Ministry update us on the status of the 2005 National Forest Inventory (NFI) and also when will the reports be made available in their publicly or website The Ministry has developed draft MOUs with NFMV, CI, WCS and IUCN which are ready for consultation phase before submission to Cabinet.

The Ministry is engaging a consultant to complete the National Forest Inventory (NFI) Report which will be published this year and will be uploaded on the Ministry’s website.
SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY through other means?

Evidence: Provide TOR for consultant.

The Ministry responded that they do not have an SOP developed as yet till to date.

a timeline provided for uploading of the NFI results in database.

No NFI SOP.

4.
No NFI SOP.

4.

Establishment of Procedures NFI procedures for gathering NFI data and storing them in the NFI database as well as compilation of NFI reports are still yet to be established to ensure that the information obtained from timber harvesting operations from either native or plantation forest is incorporated into the NFI database and compiled into a report.

Not Implemented.
Not Implemented.

The Ministry has not developed NFI Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), and no timeline on the uploading of the NFI results in to the database.

Can the Ministry confirm if any SOP has been developed for the NFI?

Yes an SOP for the NFI exists and a copy of which is attached.

Evidence: copy of NFI SOP.


The audit had also in their recommended 2014 that report obtained information from timber harvesting operations from either native or plantation forest be incorporated into the NFI database?

Has been this addressed?

The Ministry is developing an Integrated National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) framework that harmonizes the Timber Revenue System (report from the timber harvesting operations) and the Forest Information System (NFI) database.
The system will allow the online updating of all forest (harvesting) and removals cover changes, reforestation/afforestation data.

i.e.

A copy of the signed contract for the Consultant is attached.

Evidence: Signed Contract SUBJECT 5.

Mangrove Management INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT Restriction on mangrove Commercial is Harvesting incorporated in to the Forest Policy Statement 2007 was this confirmed during audit review of the policy.

OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) Implemented.


Commercial harvesting of mangrove is restricted by the Ministry of Forestry through a circular distributed by the former conservator and through the draft Mangrove Management Plan (MMP) CF participation though Mangrove Management Committee (MMC) and Protected Area Committee (PAC) is a platform where the Ministry creates awareness on mangrove conservation.
2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY taken What steps have the Ministry to formalise the ban on commercial harvesting of mangroves?

license the Ministry Does provide to harvest mangroves to vendors and various what the current procedure?

is The Ministry has implemented the Forest Policy in so far as mangrove management is concerned.

All commercial harvesting of mangroves ceased since 2014 upon the directive from Ministry of Lands, who manages foreshore lands on behalf of Government.
The Ministry of Forestry no longer issues any licenses for harvesting mangroves.

The Ministry will now formalise the ban in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands.
Additionally, the Ministry, in partnership with other agencies, has been developing alternative livelihoods for communities close to mangrove forest areas, through the International Timber Trade Organisation (ITTO) project, and is an active member of the Mangrove Management Committee, with all the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Ministries of are and Environment, collaborating for the sustainable management and protection of mangrove forests.

Fisheries.
Fisheries.

We Lands INTERGRATED FOREST RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 6.

Management Plans Bouma Forest Park is community owned and it is a preserved area untouched and undisturbed.

It is beyond Ministry of Forestry’s control to interfere with Bouma Not Implemented Bouma Forest Park is community owned and it is a preserved area untouched and undisturbed, thereby is not applicable as EMA EMA requirements only appropriate for forest harvesting activities.
Can the Ministry provide the an update on development and update forest of management plans for forest resource owners such as the Bouma Forest Park, Colo i Suva In collaboration with CSOs, management plans have been developed for the following:  National Trust of Fiji for the Bouma Forest Park (attached);  Colo I Suva Forest Park (work in progress by the Ministry); and  National Trust of Fiji, CI, and FAO for the Sovi Basin (attached).
SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT park communities as the park is privately owned and is Undisturbed.

7.

Strategic Harvesting Plan Ministry responded that licenses are given based on the areas to be harvested provided on the Management Harvesting Plan.

Most lots completed wood their harvest less than six months and 2 years are unrealistic time frame.

The CF has the prerogative to give licenses on the compliances FFHCOP other forest legislation.
based to and in OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY Park and other parks including Sovi Basin?

in take they into the the Do account requirements of Environment Management Act their plans?

the Ministry Has finalised the Mangrove Management Plan (MMP) with the Ministry of Lands through the Conservator of Forests?
Given that under Table 2 of the report for the Forest Harvesting Plan for woodlots submitted the Ministry has to that most indicated harvesting activities are done 2-12 within months.

Will there be any amendments to the requirements of the Fiji as Forest mentioned above to period the reduce required for Strategic Harvesting Plans to be Policy Yes, all Management Plans adopt the provisions of the EMA 2005.
The Ministry had made its contribution through the submission of information and maps to the Mangrove Management Committee (MMC).

The Ministry will follow up with the Ministry of Lands on the progress of this MMP.

The Ministry is already accommodating this by verifying the volume of forest resource in a particular woodlot, which subsequently determines the duration of license issued.
The 1992 Forest Act (Section 11) has provisions for duration of licenses to be determined based on the forest resources available and the post- harvest land use.

The duration can be up to 30 years.

Additionally, the Ministry of Forestry is working on creating a supportive forestry governance to enable forest management, which includes the Strategic Harvesting Planning.

Partially Implemented Most licenses given were based on Management Plan of the proposed harvest areas.
The duration of most woodlots harvesting management plan are within 1 year or less.

Therefore road making activities are within the harvesting not timeframe exceeding it, as wood lots and land owners have other planting options.

and SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY less than 2 years as stated in the plan?
rejected by Not implemented The proposed developed extended DLT were Forestry stakeholders when presented as they disagree with some of the increase in the diameter limits stated within it.

Currently the i-TLTB DLT is the current legislated regulation regulating DLT and allowable cuts.

8.

Forest Management System in that The Ministry of forests indicated it currently used the DLT in the TLTB provided Forest regulation and silviculture the the prescription FFHCOP as medium of silviculture regulations.
A diameter limit table were developed and forest presented stakeholders in which most of them do not wish to adopt it as they disagree with some of the limits diameter stated within it.

to it is The Ministry of Forestry clarified in its response to this recommendation fully that implementing the Diameter Limit Table (‘DLT’) legislated under the Native Land Trust Act (Native Land Forest Regulation 1985) as it is currently the only legal for DLT available enforcement by the Ministry.
To review the DLT, legislated consultations have to be done all stakeholders.

with The Ministry, in collaboration with German Technical Cooperation (GIZ), is developing an implementation guideline aligned to the legislated Diameter Limit Table (DLT) under the Native Land Forest Regulation 1985.

The implementation guideline had been field tested and will be ready for implementation this year.
How has the Ministry progressed in terms of the consultations with regarding stakeholders the the review of Diameter Limit Table?

The Ministry is currently consulting the industry on this revised version.

The consultation work program is attached.

Evidence: Consultancy Work program SUBJECT 9.

Plantations INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT FPL has its own Forest Plan Management its regularizing plantation areas including the protection remnant of of the forests.
natural Discussions are underway with FPL on of management remnant natural of forests.

OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY its regulating Partially Implemented.

FPL has its own Forest Management plantation Plan compartment.

Review of FPL current management plan noted no programs had the protection of remnant of natural forests in its plantation.
established been for The Ministry has collated the data as a first step and will the management plans for both Taveuni and Colo-i-Suva.

developing proceed towards now Fiji Pine Limited (FPL) and Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited plantation management plans.

(FHCL) have their own The Management Plans highlighted in the Operational Plan for 2019-2020 are for Conservation/Protected Areas.

The Ministry has started to develop the management plans for Taveuni and Colo-i-Suva in collation with relevant CSOs.
The development of such a Plan will address the Permanent Forest Estate (PFE) Initiatives that the Ministry is currently working on.

(Evidence: OP 2019-2020) The Mahogany Industry Development Act 2010 (Section 1 of Schedule 2) states that: “unless authorised by the Council, no person shall on any mahogany plantation land fell or extract timber other than mahogany timber”.
in The Ministry of Forestry further clarified its this to response recommendation that it has the included development of Forest Management plans in its August 2019-July 2020 operational plan.

Furthermore, Fiji Pine Limited Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited have their own annual 10 plantation forest management plans.

year and Can the Ministry provide an update on the status Forest of the to Management Plan cover the whole of Fiji’s forest and plantation areas?
Can the Ministry advise Forest whether the Plan Management the include and Management the Protection of SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY remnant of the Natural Forest plantation areas?

in SUBJECT 10.

Establishment of a Code Steering Committee 11.


Development, endorsement and review of the Forest Certification Standards INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT There is no schedule timetable provided for committee the meeting.

The committee last met in 2016 afterwards there the is no meeting, committee was dormant till the date of the audit.
The Forest certification standard was drafted and to presented stakeholders Forests but rejected the FCS, as compliances with it is an and expensive extensive exercise with huge financial implications.

12.

Charging of Fees for processing and monitoring of Harvesting Regulation incorporated with the reviewed fee structure to submitted was OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) Not Implemented The Committee has been dormant for long period of time.
They last met in 2016 and no further meetings conducted thereafter till the follow up period.

Partially Implemented.

The developed Forest certification standard was rejected by forestry stakeholders when presented.

Reason being it is an expensive and extensive exercise financial that many implications, provided operators are just small woodlots.

huge with Partially Implemented.


Harvesting Regulation reviewed the fee incorporating structure was 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY Is there any reason why the Committee is not able to meet regularly given the requirements under the TOR?

With the appointment of the new Monitoring Officer (secretariat of the Committee), the Ministry will, this year, convene the Committee meetings with relevant stakeholders to help enforce the Fiji Forest Harvesting Code of Practice (FFHCOP).
Can the Ministry explain on the progress of the Fiji Forest Certification (FFCS) and Standard when be this finalised cabinet for endorsement?

can advise Please the Committee why is the delay in the formulation of the FFCS?

Fiji Pine Limited was certified in 2016 through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The Ministry Corporation Limited with their certification process.

is now assisting Fiji Hardwood The focus is on certification of plantation forests as they are managed forests.
The Ministry has a draft national certification standard for natural forests and will continue to improve on the international standards (FSC & Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)).

through alignment this to Evidence: Fiji national forest certification Can the Ministry provide the any update on fee progress of the to structure provided The Ministry is reviewing the fees structure that was initially submitted to Ministry of Economy and will make fresh submissions this year.
SUBJECT license 13.

Log Scaling INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT Ministry of Economy for vetting.

MOF is still awaiting review to be finalised.

The log scaling rule is the incorporated regulation harvesting which to be is yet reviewed and vetted by Ministry of Economy.

in 14.

Environmental Standards in Forest Management and Environment Impact Assessment The EIA for the Ministry is underlined in the FFHCOP, it is reference point EIA for compliances assessment ministry.
are Communications done through Ministry awareness programs.

the by OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY submitted to Ministry of Economy for vetting.

MoF is still awaiting results of the review to be finalised.

Ministry the Economy?

of The revised fee structure is attached.

Evidence: Fee Structure Partially Implemented The Ministry stated it has a log scaling rule but this was not presented to audit when requested, audit has not its context.
sighted and verified its in further mentioned Ministry response that it will be reviewing its draft Harvesting in November 2019.

Partially Implemented.

Regulations The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Ministry is underlined in the FFHCOP, it is a reference point for EIA compliances assessment by the Ministry.

Can the Ministry provide a copy of the finalized log scaling rule and also update on why there was a delay?
A copy of the current log scaling rule is attached and is being used during harvesting operations.

The log scaling rule will be incorporated into the Harvesting Regulations, which is currently under development.

Evidence: Log scaling Rule of An examination of the Fiji Forest Harvesting Code Practice (FFHCOP) noted that it integrates the concept of the EIA.

To apply for a logging licence, applicants are required to EIA obtain assessment done for the logging areas from the of Ministry Environment.
Can the Ministry provide the evidences awareness done since the year 2013 on the Fiji of Since 2013, 277 individuals have been trained on the FFHCOP.

The targeted audiences are the logging contractors, resource owners, forest warden and staff of the Ministry in all 3 Divisions.

Evidence: Monitoring & Training Reports: SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY Not Implemented.
The Ministry is still yet to develop a Non-Wood Management Plan, for non- wood species in the country 15.

Non-Wood Forest Products to Ministry work towards development of a management plan for non-wood products in Fiji.

No Timeline provided for the preparation of Non-wood plan.

management NMP will be carried out once funding availability is approved, it’s a costly and timely exercises.

Forest Harvesting Code of Practise (FFHCOP)?

Who are the targeted audience?

1.


Forest Warden Code Awareness Training Course – 27 trained 2.

FTC 2016 August to July 2017 Annual Report – 26 trained 3.

FTC 2015 Annual Report - 224 trained The audit noted that a for management plan non-wood product in the country is still yet to be developed.
focused The Ministry has clarified in its response to this recommendation that non-wood products on were bamboo and sandalwood and these in the are embedded Ministry’s Strategic Development Plan and for Operational Plan 2019 to 2020.
Apart from incorporating the use of non-wood products in Strategic the Evidence: Training Reports Under the Ministry’s research on wood and non- forest it has completed 2 non-wood wood, commodities which are bamboo and coconut The Ministry is currently developing a report on potential non-wood forest products through: a) Classification (e.g.

food, medicine, fibres, biomass, resins & oils.


b) Conservation c) Management d) Processing & Marketing e) Community involvement & Livelihood The more focussed work of the Ministry are planting of Calophyllum (“Dilo”), Candlenut (“Sikeci”) and Sandalwood.

Conservation areas are set aside for naturally grown sandalwood as well as other species for conservation and natural regeneration.

The Ministry is about to complete its Sandalwood inventory to gauge the varieties and distribution nationwide.
SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY Development Plan, what are the other measures that the Ministry utilises in the facilitating sustainable use of non- timber forest products?
The Ministry recently received endorsement from Cabinet on the development of Bamboo in Fiji and for the setup of a National Bamboo Training Centre which will enhance the potential uses of bamboos, thus reducing pressures on our natural forests.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND HUMAN RESOURCES 16.

Forestry Board in the is yet to be Review done forests regulations to address the durations of the meetings.

Not Implemented.
Not Implemented.

The Forestry Board meeting has been dormant for long and there is no plan for the schedules of meeting of the board.

the Ministry Could provide update if Board Meetings were held and if meeting minutes were recorded and progress noted for the action plans if any?

Who are the members of the Forestry Board?

The Forestry Board term expired in 2018, prior to that, minutes of Forestry Board Meetings and Board Papers are available for perusal.
Members of the Forestry Board as per the 1992 Forestry Act include: 1. the Conservator of Forests who shall be chairman; the Permanent Secretary of Primary Industries or his representative; the Director of Town and Country Planning or his representative; seven other persons appointed by the Minister of whom: 2.

3.
3.

4. a. one shall represent the Native Land Trust Board; b. one shall be a member of the Land SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY 17.

National Forest Program Strategic The Development Plan is ready incorporating all outstanding actions of the Ministry of Forests.

Implemented.
Implemented.

The National Forest Program of the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 had been strategic development plan 2017 -2030 with time frames of implementations.

incorporated in 18.

Forestry Legislations The Forestry Bill was presented to Natural resources committee on 3rd May 2016.

Partially Implemented.

The Forestry Bill was presented to Natural Resources Committee (NRC) on 3rd May 2016 and is pending to be tabled in parliament.
Conservation Board; c. being persons not holding any State Office land of emolument, shall owners, forest owners, forest users, forest industry and the public interest.

represent The National Forest Program 2010 - 2012 has been weaved into the Ministry’s Strategic Development Plan 2017-2030.

The SDP also takes into account the National Development Plan priorities which is translated into the Annual Operational Plan and monitored internally by the Ministry.
Evidence: OP,SDP & NFP The Forestry Bill has had 2 readings in Parliament, in however due to the Parliament reconvening November 2018, the Ministry was advised by the Solicitor General’s Office that the Bill be submitted as a new submission to this Parliament.

The Ministry has taken this opportunity to align its Bill to some provisions in the Climate Change Bill, with the intention to table the Forestry Bill this year.
Can the Ministry provide the latest National Forest Program and how Ministry has the the monitored implementation the recommendations made in the 2014 report?

Has the Ministry followed up with the SGs office on the status of the vetting of the Forest Bill (Bill No.

13 of 2016)?

When does the Ministry intend to finalise the enactment the revised Forest Act and why is the delay?

of 19.

Forest Administration Awareness conducted were through Partially Implemented.
How does the Ministry or capture data Information in Consultation/Feedback Reports and issues raised or requests made are is captured OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT commissioners offices integrated approaches as well as Through several inter ministry committees.
Legislation Awareness is Forest conducted collaborative through awareness programs of the Ministry as Commissioner’s Office well as awareness other with government ministries.

Partially Implemented.

tours 20.

Seeking International Assistance A review has been conducted by World Bank and the report is with Attorney General’s office and World Bank office.
the A review has been conducted by World Bank and the report is with the Attorney General’s office and World Bank office and is yet to be received by the MoF.

information regarding the road shows and actions taken to address concerns from these road shows?

raised The current engagement with the World Bank Reducing includes from Emission Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) and is focused on reforestation and De- of desertification and Talasiga preservation of natural established forest reserves.
areas What is the update on the review done by the World Bank in 2016?

How has the Ministry the incorporated recommendations of the report to improve the operations of the Ministry?

implemented at respective Divisions.

The Ministry is taking a renewed approach in ensuring that issues and concerns raised are addressed.

Evidence: Minister’s latest consultation report.


The Ministry has presented the Emission Reduction Program Document (ERPD) to the World Bank in June 2019, which been accepted and expected to begin after the Emission Reduction Program Agreement (ERPA) signing in April 2020.
A copy of the ERPD can be FCPF website (www.forestcarbonpartnership.org) accessed through the The ER-Program has identified 20 districts in which carbon enhancement activities will be implemented, afforestation, which smart biodiversity agriculture.

reforestation, conservation includes climate and (LOI) and In 2016, the Minister for Economy signed the Letter of Intent recommendations have been incorporated in the ERPD which will be implemented after the signing of the ERPA.
In partnership with CSOs such as NFMV, CI, WCS and IUCN, the Min of Forestry is preparing funding applications to international agencies.

SUBJECT 21.

Associations works INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT Ministry to ensure that towards it the assisting the establishment of Forest Industries Association, Resource Owners Association and Forest Professional’s Association.

in OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) Not Implemented.
The Forest Industries Association was said to be established however neither formal evidence of meeting minutes nor TOR of the committee members were presented to audit.

The Resource Forest Professional Owners Association are yet to be formed.

No time line given to form these two associations.

and 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY Why is the Ministry not the considering of establishment Owners Resource Association the Forest Professional Association?
and What are the challenges of forming a Foresters’ a Association Farmers’ Association?

and The Fiji Sawmillers Association has been in existence since the 1980s and looks after the interests and concerns of the industry and the Ministry over the years has been consulting with the Association.

Minutes of the meeting is attached.


The Ministry recognizes the Yaubula Management Support Team (YMST) established under the 14 provincial offices and which are community-based organisations that help to manage, protect and ensure their respective natural resources.

sustainable management of the The Ministry of Forestry, in collaboration with SPC, had attempted to develop a Foresters’ Association; however this did not eventuate due to lack of financial support.

22.

Extension Partially Implemented.


The Extension Division has been decentralised to ensure that Forestry services are easily accessible to all and that Ministry involved through Agroforestry Integrated Models.

is Initiate the formation of the domestic integrated extension teams.
Ministry revealed that it has Decentralization of the Extension Division to ensure that Forestry easily are services accessible to all and that Ministry is involved Has the Ministry formed extension integrated teams other with stakeholders such as of the i-Taukei Lands Trust of Board, Ministry Agriculture the and Rural Ministry as Development the required under of The Ministry will consider the development of a Farmers’ the in Reforestation/Afforestation Framework is in place.
The Ministry of Forestry has formed: future when Association a) the REDD+ Steering Committee - Emission Reduction Program (2020-2025); b) the ITTO Steering Committee – Coastal Rehabilitation Program Moreover, the Ministry is part of the Integrated Rural Development Program under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development.

It works with other government agencies under the leadership of the SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT through Agroforestry integrated Models.
OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY Forest Policy statement?

Divisional Commissioners to develop and implement Divisional level Plans.

How has these set up working in terms of the demarcation of roles, responsibilities, etc?

Partially Implemented The Ministry of Forestry has been supplying seedlings to communities upon request.

Communities meeting the stated requirements in order be provided with nursery seedlings.

this new How has arrangement played out?


What are some of the and positives negatives that come out from this initiative?

has centre Partially Implemented The been training registered and is being accredited as well.

Application of accreditation was not provided for audit review, hence audit could not ascertain the validity of the accreditation done.

How far has the Ministry gone in terms of getting the required accreditation by the Fiji Higher Education Commission?
The Ministry has registered community owned and private nurseries throughout the 3 divisions to enable them to supply seedlings for plantings in their own land or in other areas marked for planting.

It has enable community and private nursery owners to benefit financially from the sale of the seedlings.

Training has also been conducted to nursery owners on how to raise seedlings.

The Ministry has also assisted the some new nursery owners procurement of their nursery materials.
The Ministry of Forestry’s Training Centre received its accreditation is working in December 2018 and towards the accreditation of its courses and the Trainers.

in Evidence: Accreditation Certificate 23.

Subsidised Production of Nursery Seedlings 24.

Forestry Training and Education starts Ministry to ensure that it working towards phasing out its subsidized production for all nursery seedlings and charge full commercial price the towards Work conducting a review of the its viability of training centre.
Review was conducted in 2016 by the Fiji Education Higher the Commission and training is centre with accredited development and implementation of new curriculums such as Diploma in Biodiversity SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT Conversation offered at FNU.

25.
25.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY The Ministry had developed its Strategic Development Plan 2017-2030 which encompasses Fiji’s 5 years & 20 years National Development Plan, the 2030 Agenda - the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the SAMOA Pathway, including the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Strategic Goals (6 of them), which are also related to SDG's.
The initiatives in the SDP are implemented annually in the Ministry’s Operational Plan which each staff obtains a copy and made aware of their deliverables as per the Plan through their unit plans and individual work unit plans.

Apart from each staff receiving a copy of each of the Ministry’s Plans, copies are also available for online in the website (www.forestry.gov.fj) for ease of access from any location.

Additionally soft copies were emailed to all staff.
Divisions conduct their weekly meetings to keep the staff informed of the national priorities to be delivered and also to provide updated on their implementation status.

of level 1.

Describe briefly, the general of awareness by the staff members your Department, of Fiji’s 5 years & years National Development Plan, the 2030 Agenda, Sustainable the Development Goals (SDGs) and the SAMOA Pathway?
20 the Describe 2. any, if mechanism, in currently in place your Department to enhance awareness of your staff members, of the alignment between the national development priorities, as per the Fiji’s 5years & 20years National Development Plan, with the SDGs and its targets and indicators?

SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY of 3.
Describe how your Department monitor the and report on progress the implementation of Fiji’s 20years & 5years National Development Plan and of the SDGs your under responsibility?

As mentioned above, Divisions provide weekly updates on their achievement which are consolidated for weekly HOD meetings and reports are perused by senior management for their information and also issues requiring intervention.
In addition to this, the Planning Unit does its quarterly/ bi-annual monitoring of the Plans and presents to the Divisions of the overall achievements.

The Ministry also fills the NDP Monitoring template (bi-annual) sent by Ministry of Economy to gauge the implementation status of NDP initiatives under the Forestry Sector.

4.
4.

Is your Department a part or member of an inter-agency or inter- ministerial/department co-ordination mechanism that plan, monitor and evaluate the progress of the implementation of the National Development Plan and the SDGs under your responsibility?

If yes: How often does it meet?

Yes the Ministry is part of the interagency co- submission ordination mechanism towards the Voluntary National Reporting (VNR) of the SDGs to the Ministry of Economy (focal point).
through its The last meeting was held in 2019 to validate the Fiji’s SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY What aspects of function improved?

can its it be If no: Do you see the a need mechanism?

such for VNR.

Suggested improvements: Improvement in the reporting template; a) b) Training & Awareness; and c) More regular meetings.

5.
5.

Do you think your Department is sufficiently equipped to integrated ensure an coordinated and decision making process for SDGs implementation and for strategic planning?

The Ministry of Forestry is redefining its core roles and re-organising the structure to address its core functions.

The Ministry is continuously improving its forest management and decision-making capacity.

Tertiary education of its staff requires significant time, as well as to put the expertise into practice.
This is part of the intention of the MOUs in development with FNU and USP.

for agency lead The Ministry of Economy should be the government SDG implementation, into which all its Ministries play a part to sustainably develop their respective sectors, in collaboration with all the relevant stakeholders in Government and civil societies.
coordinating to be From your 6. perspective, what are or ought the roles/functions of the lead government agency for the coordinating SDG implementation, and (b) how have these been roles/functions institutionalized?
SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY From 7. your best recollection, what steps has the Fiji Government taken so far to update or its review institutional setup (beyond the SDGs lead agency) to support SDGs implementation?
in order the Briefly describe 8. steps, if any, taken by your or Ministry Department to engage level sub-national authorities, including including provincial, district and community level authorities, in the and design implementation of policies and measures related SDGs to realization (for example by the encouraging localization of the SDGs or the design of local strategies)?
If so, what (2017 – 2030), whilst addressing The Ministry of Forestry updates and reviews its institutional setup (beyond the SDGs lead agency) through its membership in the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) and the UN Strategic Plan for Forests its commitments under the forestry related conventions such as the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (UNCBD), United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), United Nations Framework (UNFCCC) and Conventions on Climate Change International Labour Organisation (ILO).
its core role of The Min of Forestry through sustainable management of the nation’s forest resources encourages the integrated partnership and participation of all citizens at the provincial, district and community level through: - (a) 30 Million Tree in 15 years program – over 1 in 2018/19; target for million trees planted 2019/2020 is 2 million trees; (b) Emission Reduction program – 20 districts identified that will impact the most marginalized communities and alternative livelihood ventures; through carbon trade (c) Coastal Rehabilitation through the ITTO project – rehabilitation of coastal plains of the Rewa and Tailevu deltas, improve community livelihoods through an alternative income stream (shrimp farms, piggery and tree nurseries); (d) Maritime Pine Development Program – supply of SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY initiatives have been taken in this respect and what have been the results or challenges so far?
and and processing machines harvesting and equipment for the Gau, Cicia, Kadavu and Lakeba; (e) Sandalwood Development Program – establish 120 hectares spread throughout the 14 provinces including Rotuma level of funding has been the main Adequate challenge.

The Ministry is pursuing alternative (external) funding sources, e.g.

Green Climate Fund (GCF).

institutional 9.


What or arrangements mechanisms are in place in your Department to engage society civil organizations, scientific community and private sector the monitoring, review and follow-up of the SDGs?

in to 10.
Do you think there is an interest within your learn Department more other about countries experiences, training, tools, partnership The Ministry of Forestry engages: - (a) Civil Society Organizations - awareness raising and consultations community campaigns, education; (b) Scientific community – research, assessments and survey; (c) Private sector – tree planting (reforestation), nursery and seedling supply These partnership encourages these sectors to contribute towards the implementation, review and monitoring of the SDGs.
The Ministry is currently working on its global scan, looking at countries that have the best sustainable forest management practices and try to forge partnerships with the selected countries.

Current MOUs that the Ministry has with other countries are China and Indonesia.
Costa Rica is one of the countries that the Ministry of SUBJECT INITIAL RESPONSE (2019) – AS PER OAG REPORT OAG ASSESSMENT OF STATUS (2019) 2020 PAC QUESTIONS 2020 RESPONSES FROM THE MINISTRY arrangements, peer-to- peer learning, curricular and be a part of a global service award public system SDGs implementation?

on Forestry is developing a relationship with for the formulation of an MOU to create sustainable financing mechanisms such as the payments for forest ecosystem services.
Evidence: Cabinet Paper & Costa Rica Report.

Supplementary Questions from OAG Please find attached our response on the 3 questions emailed at noon today.

When was the last Land Use Plan developed?

 There has never been a landuse plan for Fiji.

There exists a Rural Land Use Policy of 2006 for all sectors.

The TLTB have developed a Master Plan for urban areas and towns but not forests or rural areas.

What is the definition of park for heritage park such as Bouma from other national parks.
 The primary difference lies in the reason for preserving the land: National parks are protected due to their scenic, inspirational, education, and recreational value.

National monuments have objects of historical, cultural, and/or scientific interest, so their content is quite varied.

National Parks are areas with scenic, inspirational, educational and recreational value having diverse numbers of native plants and animals.
Heritage Parks are areas protected due to their historical, cultural or scientific interest, areas of outstanding universal value or landmark area Has all land owners prepares their management plans.

 Rightfully, all conservation or protected areas should have management plans on how they will be managed.

Most of these areas are protected by landowners in partnership with NGO's such as WCS (Kilaka), National Trust (Sovi Basin), etc Hence they have management plans for this.
Please find a list of management plans below 1.

Wildlife Conservation Society (2019) Bua District Ecosystem-Based Management Plan: 2019−2023.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji 2.

Wildlife Conservation Society (2019) Dama District Ecosystem-Based Management Plan: 2019−2023.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji 3.

Wildlife Conservation Society (2019) Koro Island Ecosystem-Based Management Plan: 2019−2023.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji 4.


Wildlife Conservation Society (2018) Bua Province Integrated Coastal Management Plan: 2018−2022.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji 5.

Wildlife Conservation Society (2018) Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park Management Plan.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.

32 pp.

6.

Wildlife Conservation Society (2016) Kilaka Forest Conservation Area Management Plan.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.

34 pp.

[download] [download Fijian Version] 7.


Wildlife Conservation Society (2016) Ecosystem-Based Management Plan: Nadi District, Bua Province, Fiji.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.

83 pp.

8.

Wildlife Conservation Society (2016) Ecosystem-Based Management Plan: Lekutu and Navakasiga Districts, Bua Province, Fiji.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.87 pp.

9.

Wildlife Conservation Society (2016) Ecosystem-Based Management Plan: Vanua Raviravi, Vuya District, Bua Province, Fiji.
Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.

74pp.

10.

WCS (2013) Management Plan: Wailevu District, Vanua Levu, Fiji.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.

11.

WCS (2012) Ecosystem-Based Management Plan: Wainunu District, Vanua Levu, Fiji.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.

12.

WCS (2012) Ecosystem-Based Management Plan: Kubulau District, Vanua Levu, Fiji.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.

13.


WCS (2009) Ecosystem-Based Management Plan: Kubulau District, Vanua Levu, Fiji, Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.
FORESTRY BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 26TH APRIL 2017 AT LEVEL 3 CONFERENCE ROOM TAKAYAWA BUILDING _________________________________________ Present: Mr Eliki Senivasa Chairman Conservator of Forests Mr Noa Vakacegu Secretary PFO Executive Support Mr Jone Sovalawa Member Department of Agriculture Mr Uraia Waibuta Member Land Conservation Board Mr Wiliame Katonivere Member Landowner Representative Mr Inoke Wainiqolo Member Forest Owners Ms Losana Rokotuibau Member Dept of Town & Country Planning Ms Catherine Pleass Member Forest Users Mr Solomone Nata Member iTaukei Land Trust Board Ms Susana Tuisese Member Public Interest Apologies: Mr Vimlesh Kumar Member Forest Industry 1.
The meeting begins with a prayer by Mr Waibuta the Land Conservation Board rep. 2.

The chairman opened the meeting by welcoming both the new and continuing board members for accepting the offer to be a member of Forestry Board for the next two years.

3.

PSFF deliver the opening remarks by congratulating new and continuing board members and thank them for accepting the request to be a Forest Board member.
He informed members that under the provision of the Forestry Decree 1992, section 4 (1 – 2) it states that their role is to advise the Minister on matters relating to forest policy and the CF to be the chairman.

After consultation by forestry board matters of concern to be taken up to the Minister.

The PSFF needs to be consulted on anything that needs to be brought in to forestry board meeting.
He stress on the roles of forest and the continuous change and its potential on timber production, biodiversity conservation and climate change.

The board has a huge role to play in terms of setting the future for our forest as we can see that in overseas universities they have closed down forestry schools and move on to environment courses.

It is important to see future roles of the forest on communities and other stakeholders and to have a balance approach.
The PS thanks the FB members, remind them of the challenges ahead of them and wishing them well in the next 2 years of their term.

4.
4.

Past Forest Board Decision/Issues FB01/13: GEF – PAS 4 Project: Forest & Protected Area Management  The secretary informed members that the project will soon be conclude and the outcomes would be relayed to the board through a board paper as to the achievements and progress of the project in the next FB meetings  The chairman later informed the board that the GEF – PAS 4 project for Fiji may extend again for 1 year.
FB02/13: Establishment of Forest Certification Committee  The secretary informed the FB that certification process completed, but the industry relayed that they hardly exported native timber, so they are reluctant to go through certification as it would be costly & not viable for the small amount of timber and veneer they currently exported.
 Mr Nata strongly stressed the need for industry to go through certification and it has to be considered for the benefit to resource owners  Mr Katonivere mentioned that we need to seriously consider certification due to illegal logging & use of portable mill in the North.

There is a need to consider the issuance of logging license especially for pine as it causes problems between members of landowning units.
 Ms Tuisese asked if there is a cabinet decision on a National Certification Standard, the answer was no.

She request for the development of one so it becomes law and everyone to abide by it.

FB03/13: REDD+ Programme Progress  On the current progress of Monitoring Reporting and Verification of our carbon stock, the FB was informed that University of Hamburg selected as the leading consultants with FNU & SOPAC as the local counterparts.
They will develop the MRV system and the contract work recently commence  Mr Nata raised the issue on the conclusion of REDD+ lease  The chairman explains to the new board members that the lease raised is for the REDD+ project site in Draubuta village, Navosa.

The Lands Department demand for the full payment of the lease and it should be formalized within 2 weeks’ time.
Access to Mahogany Plantation Resource  The secretary informed the board that a briefing paper to the Minister by the chairman to address the poor harvesting practices in the mahogany plantations and the concern over access to mahogany logs by local timber manufacturer has not been prepared and can be confirmed in the next meeting.
 The chairman informed FB members that there has been ongoing consultation between the Forestry department and the industry and they are currently adopted open tender process for anyone who wants to access to mahogany logs.

 Mr Nata raises his concern on the implication of mahogany decree which is hindering communication on lease.

There is a need to address issues on planting and figures on area planted to be provided.
Native Forest Replanting  The secretary informed the board that the chairman promise to prepare a board paper on enrichment planting and this will be presented in the next FB meeting.

National Sustainability of Log Supply  A decision from the FB meeting of 06/09/13 for the Forestry Department to present the National Forest Inventory result to the board.
It has been raised by the secretary that it will be presented to the board in the next financial year sometime in August 2017 to July 2018 after consultation with other stakeholders.

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)  In the FB meeting of 06/09/13 the board request that the Code Steering Committee to deliberate on EIA and report to FB.

Also noted that all Forestry committee to present their TOR to the board.

 Ms Tuisese requested that secretariat of committees to present to the board.
Mangrove Management Plan  In the last board meeting of 06/09/13 the FB request a draft on Mangrove Management Plan circulated to all members.

 The chairman raised that there is a Mangrove Management Committee chaired by the Department of Lands.

 Also brought up by the member issues related to the issuance of license to harvest, payment of royalties and monitoring.

There is a need to evaluate mangroves and its biodiversity.
FB05/13: Forest Carbon Rights   In the FB meeting of 06/09/13 a decision raised was raised that discussion on forest carbon rights moved to a Special Board meeting in October but no confirmation on that meeting It was raised in the meeting that forest carbon rights are covered in the Forest Bill 2006.
FB06/13: Forestry Public Sector Investment Capital Project  The chairman informed the board that all PSIPs discussed in the board meeting of 06/09/13 are all on-going projects FB08/14: Permanent Forest Estate (PFE)  It was raised by the board that the department of forest needs to address the issue on PFE and present to the board.
 The chairman informed the board that PFE is the forest area demarcated and only forest activities such as logging, reforestation, conservation, protection etc can be carried out in it.

 Ms Tuisese asked what actually we need to get out of this PFE and she raised some of the concept on conservation.

To wait for a national land-use plan it will take some time, she added that we can have default area for PFE.

The Rural Land Use policy can be used to support existing forest areas.
It was also raised that sharing of data between other Ministries can assist to identify areas suitable for PFE and forestry department can work on it to get a draft.

 5.

Discussion on Board Papers 5.1 Sustainable Removal of the Invasive African Tulip Tree Species in Viti Levu  The CF briefly explained that most research has been done to remove the African tulip and one is the use of chemical which applied to the bole of the tree after ring barking.
Now with a partnership between the government and the industry this invasive species will be used for the generation of power.

A taskforce has been formulated to look into the use of African tulip to produce pellets.

A capital project on eradication of African tulip formulated to prepare a Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).

CF also informed the board the African tulip also have environmental values and are currently establishing their own environment.
 Mr Nata also raised the importance of African tulip as a carbon sink which is a mechanism that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

 Ms Tuisese was concerned with waterways and she suggested that Nabou Green Energy to use portable chippers to do chipping on site and harvesting code to be enforced.

Harvested sited to be reforested again.

 CF confirmed that logistic from the field to the mill will be covered by the company.
 Mr Nata raised the issue on cost and Ms Tuisese raised some of the area that needs to be covered by Nabou Green Energy if they are willing to pay.

These includes royalty and the functions of the trees There is also a need to reflect on the volume to be consumed by the company and environmental issues that will affect people.

It has been raised that there will be opportunity to plant gliricidia sepium and eucalyptus as short to long term crop.
  An issue raised was for people to be compensated to plant and there is a need to have a clear plan as past experiences showed that eventhough funds available people still reluctant to plant.

 There was a suggestion that Nabou Green Energy buy the gliricidia and it has been clarified that the company has already prepare agreements with landowners that plant their land, and they will be the market to buy their crop.
5.2 Forest Protected Area in Fiji  Ms Tuisese informed the FB that the purpose of this paper was to inform the FB that there is a need to develop and secure large area with high biodiversity value and provide the current status of the protected area and the area of national significance that needs to be protected It was also highlighted that Forest Policy 2007 need implementation framework and activities to support protected areas.
  The protected area committee developed under the National Environment Council and is mandated to report to the council.

 FAO GEFPAS4 project facilitated by the Department of Environment works on expanding protected area through establishment of greater Delaikoro (new reserve), expansion of greater Tomaniivi and proper demarcation of Taveuni reserve due to encroachment.

 There is need to gather signatories from Taveuni, greater Delaikoro and greater Tomaniivi for leasing purpose.
 Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) secure a conservation lease near Kilaka  The Nakanacagi protected area was bought through a consortium between the Institute of Applied Science (IAS) of USP, Nature Fiji Mareqeti Viti (NFMV) and National Trust of Fiji (NTF) and also donated by individuals.
 For sustainable financing on protected area the Sovi Basin provides an in- country reference model to adopt in Fiji at a larger scale  Through GEF-PAS4 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to report on analysis of Fiji current laws and policies related to terrestrial protected areas and recommendations on appropriate framework for effective protected area management.

The analysis & recommendations to be presented to the FB for support.
 Under Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Fiji needs to have 17% of protected area.

This is also addressed in Aichi target 11.

 Ms Tuisese also raised that commitment needed to extend Sovi Basin model to other protected areas.

The Sovi Basin currently managed by the NTF and payments to landowner received biannually to pay for conservation lease, compensation on royalty for standing trees, community development funds and management cost.

 The FB agreed to adopt the paper.


5.3 Plantation Policy  The board was informed that the consultation process completed and a FAO consultant hired to prepare a draft policy which will be vetted first by SG’s office before it is sent back to the consultant.

 The vetted policy paper needs to be cited and discussed by the FB for comments before its sent back to the consultant.
 The Director Research and Development raised through the information paper presented that there is a need for a clear direction on the role of the plantation in achieving sustainability.

 Mr Wainiqolo raised an issue on the need to look at the silvicultural regime on plantations.

Fiji Pine Ltd mostly targeting pine chips which is about 75% of our export.

There is a need to look into high value commodity from logs.

Its been agreed by the FB to adopt the paper.

 6.
 6.

Other Matters  Next Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 2nd of August 2017.
 Closing remarks by the chairman  Closing prayer by Mr Wainiqolo  End of meeting  LUNCH Email Correspondence: Subject From To Cc Sent Content PAC Request for Supplementary Evidences - Minutes of the Forestry Board Meeting Sanjana D Lal - sanjana.lal@govnet.gov.fj; Pene N Baleinabuli pene.baleinabuli@govnet.gov.fj Mateo W Lagimiri – mateo.lagimiri@parliament.gov.fj Temalesi S Fong tfong@govnet.gov.fj; Savenaca Koro savenaca.koro@govnet.gov.fj Tuesday, May 12, 2020 01:06 PM Please find attached the Minutes of the Forestry Board meeting that was last convened by the Ministry of Forestry.
The Board term expired in 2018 and we are yet to renew Board membership.

Process for reviewing the Board membership is in progress and will be finalized soon.

LIST OF VERBATIM REPORT Report of the Auditor General –Performance Audit Reports on: (Parliamentary Paper No.

153 of 2019) No.

Witnesses Page No.

1.


Joint Hearing:– (i) Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological 2 Services; and (ii) Energy Fiji Limited Report of the Auditor-General – Performance Audit Report on the Management of Rural Electrification Program 2.
Ministry of Forestry 29 Report of the Auditor-General – Performance Audit Report on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 [VERBATIM REPORT] STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS REPORT OF THE AUDITOR-GENERAL The Special Joint Committee Inquiry on the Performance Audit Report for the Management of Rural Electrification Programme INSTITUTION: a) Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services b) Energy Fiji limited VENUE: Big Committee Room (West Wing) DATE: Wednesday, 18th March, 2020 VERBATIM NOTES OF THE MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS HELD AT THE COMMITTEE ROOM (WEST WING), PARLIAMENT PRECINCTS, GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS ON WEDNESDAY, 18TH MARCH, 2020 AT 1.05 P.M Interviewee/Submittee: (a) Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services (b) Energy Fiji limited In Attendance: Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Met Services 1) Mr. Taitusi Vakadravuyaca 2) Mr. Mikaele Belena 3) Mr. Deepak Shanil Chand 4) Mr. Karnil Prasad Permanent Secretary Director Energy Assistant Director Energy Principal Accounts Officer Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) 1) Mr. Hasmukh Patel 2) Mr. Jitendra Vishnu Kumar 3) Mr. Karunesh Rao Office of the Auditor-General 1) Mr. Kuruwara Tunisalevu 2) Mr. Samuela Tupou Chief Executive Officer General Manager Network Corporate Affairs & Communications Manager Director Audit Acting Audit Manager MR. CHAIRMAN.- Good afternoon everyone.
I welcome all Honourable Members, members of the public who are watching and the media to today’s Committee Inquiry on Performance Audit Report on the Management of Rural Electrification Programme.

I take this opportunity to welcome the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services and the Director for the Energy Department.
We also welcome Mr. Patel, the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Fiji Limited and his team and we also have the presence of staff from the Office of the Auditor-General who have agreed to appear before today’s Committee’s hearing.

The Special Joint Committee Inquiry on the Performance Audit Report for the Management of Rural Electrification Programme was established by a resolution of Parliament when it was referred to the Standing Committee of Public Accounts on 22nd November, 2019.
It is part of the Committee’s responsibility to gather information from the relevant stakeholders regarding the findings in its Audit Report.
The purpose of the inquiry is to: (1) allow the witness to present and produce relevant documents and information in line with the finding in its Audit Report; (2) allow the Committee to ask questions specifically related to the Ministry’s function as far as this Audit Report is concerned; (3) allow the witness to respond to Committee’s question; and (4) provide important information that will assist the Committee in the formulation of its Report to Parliament, particularly on our finding with the recommendation that will be debated on.
2 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 I would like to take this opportunity to introduce my team.

(Introduction of Committee Members and Secretariat Team by the Chairman) For the information of the submittees, please be mindful that you are live on television (Walesi platform), also live on our Facebook page and as well as our website.

So anything said here is a public document and it will be covered by the media as well.
If you have any information that cannot be informed to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in public, you can give a written submission or give us in private.

For the media, because there are cameras all around so they will be capturing the session today and if there is any movement, this will be a hindrance to those recording today’s session.

Without further delay, I would now like to request if the submittees could introduce themselves and then we will go into submission proper.

Thank you.
Thank you.

We shall start with the Ministry of Infrastructure.

(Introduction of the team from the Ministry of Infrastructure) MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

Now we shall give the floor to Energy Fiji Limited.

They can introduce their team.

(Introduction of the team from Energy Fiji Limited MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

With us we have staff from OAG, if they can introduce themselves please.

(Introduction of team from the Office of the Auditor-General) MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.
I was informed, there is a presentation by Energy Fiji Limited with regards to the questions that were sent over.

We will start with Energy Fiji Limited and please be mindful we might interrupt in between, should my Members have any supplementary questions or any clarification that they would like to seek.

The floor is yours, Sir.

Thank you.

MR. H. PATEL.- Thank you very much and once again a very good afternoon to the Public Accounts Committee.
It is a pleasure to be here and present a report on behalf of Energy Fiji Limited (EFL).

I will go procedurally with the questions that have been posed.

I will actually say out the question and then give the answer.

The first question is policy and procedures for the Rural Electrification Programme.

Please advise on the status of consultation with stakeholders and the update on the review of the Rural Electrication (RE) Policy and Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs).
As far as the RE Policy and SOPs are concerned, that actually lies with the Ministry.

As far as Energy Fiji Limited is concerned, we are the executing agency whereby we construct the schemes and ensure that the customers are thereafter connected.
So our response is, EFL 3 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 carries out surveys and preliminary design upon request by the Department of Energy, Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services and provides quotations for identified Rural Electrification Schemes.
The Director of Environment (DOE) then advises EFL of the schemes that are earmarked for construction and connection to the EFL grid on a yearly basis as announced at the National Budget.

Once payment is received for the respective RE Schemes, way leaves are obtained, designs are finalised and construction is programmed by EFL teams or contractors appointed via tender procedures.
The Rural Electrification Projects Implementation Committee (REPIC) which consists of the Department of Energy, EFL and Ministry of Economy meet on a regular basis to review progress.

Mr. Chairman, do you want me to continue or do you want the Ministry to answer Question 1 as well?

MR. CHAIRMAN.- We will go with Energy Fiji Limited first and then we will switch on to Ministry.

Any supplementary, Honourable Members?

We will just change our format a bit.


What we will do, we will request the Honourable Members to ask specific questions that were posed to you, so they will ask the question and then you can respond to that.

MR. H. PATEL.- Okay, thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Honourable Prakash.

HON.

V. PRAKASH.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman, through you Sir.

My question to the EFL.

The funding of Rural Electrification Unit Programme.
Can the Director of Energy provide the summary of the RE programme by the division with its associated cost as at March, 2020?

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Sorry, Honourable Prakash, we have a presentation before us, if we can follow that.

HON.

V. PRAKASH.- I am sorry for that.

Thank you Mr. Chairman, the funding of Rural Electrification Unit Programme.

Can the EFL provide the summary of the REU Programme by division with its associated cost as at March 2020?
MR. H. PATEL.- Mr. Chairman and Honourable Members, this is question 3, just for clarification and the response is as outlined in the hand-outs that we have distributed.

In 2017 we had actually spent $12.2 million and executed 71 schemes:  28 in the Central Division  32 in the Western Division  21 in the Northern Division We connected 3,328 households.
In 2018, we spent $11.92 million, executed 127 schemes:  34 in the Central Division 4 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020  61 in the Western Division  32 in the Northern Division And connected a total of 2,469 households.

In 2019 we spent $11.18 million where 98 Schemes were completed:  25 in the Central Division  43 in the Western Division  30 in the Northern Division A total of 2,213 households were connected.
For the year 2020 as we speak, total schemes completed are 27:  6 in the Central Division  18 in the Western Division  3 in the Northern Division We have connected 295 customers in 2020.

As you can see, EFL spent a total of $22.85 million in 2019 on the construction of the new Government Rural Schemes, grid extensions for commercial and industrial project as well.
Just for clarification, EFL not only extends the grid to connect to rural customers but also the commercial customers who are opening up new factories or new buildings, we need to extend the grid to connect them as well.

We also carry out what we call system reinforcement works and concrete jobs.

So the total amount of money, there is breakdown there, for example in 2019 we have spent $11.18 million for 98 Rural Electrification Schemes.
The general extension projects for commercial and industrial customers, there were 71 schemes, $7.76 million was the cost, 26 contract jobs (these contract jobs are for any organisation who wishes EFL to relocate their assets to accommodate their services).

It could be Fiji Roads Authority or anyone.


We did 26 contract jobs, spent almost a million dollars and we also spent around $3 million in 23 Power Reinforcement Schemes to ensure that people were getting the right voltage and we are able to meet their power demand.

Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Any supplementary question?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thank you CEO for a very detailed answer regarding the programmes by Division.
You had mentioned that EFL spent a total of $22.85 million.

In a broader context, can you just elaborate to the Committee whether this also includes the Government contributions or subsidies or is it just a total cost that is borne wholly by EFL.

MR. H. PATEL.- Thank you very much for the question Honourable Member.

As I said earlier, out of that $22.85 million, $11.18 million were for 98 RE projects.

So this $11.18 million funding came from the Government.
So the Government pays 100 percent of the cost of Rural Electrification projects.

5 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 As far as the general extension projects for commercial and industrial customers, the policy that has been determined by FCCC is that if a commercial customer wishes to extend the grid to supply his new factory or plant or whatever it may be (new building) then they have to pay 100 percent upfront cost.
For example, if it is going to cost $100,000 to extend the grid to supply these customers’ new factory, then they have to pay that $100,000 upfront and we use that money to actually extend the grid and connect the supply to him.

But the customer then has six years to recover his $100,000 so that $100,000 is a refundable contribution.
So every year the amount that he gives us as revenue for electricity revenue, for example, if they are paid $100,000 upfront, we connect him and thereafter the customer every year, say the first year he gave us $20,000 as electricity revenue then we returned him half that amount which is $10,000 and he has six years to recover his $100,000.
He can recover it in one year , he can recover it in three years, he can recover it in six years but after six years if he has not recovered that $100,000 which means he has not given us $200,000 in revenue then he forfeits the remaining balance.

So that is for the general extension projects for commercial and industrial customers.
As far as that $0.92 million on contract jobs, again if any utility (it could be any third party) who is wishing us to relocate our assets then they have to pay for that contract job.

But the last one $2.99 million for 23 distribution power system reinforcement projects EFL actually spends its own money ($3 million) to strengthen the system in order to cater for the increase in demand.

HON.

V. PRAKASH.- Mr.

Chair, supplementary question.


CEO, you have mentioned that $11.18 million for Rural Electrification Projects is totally funded by Government.

Does it mean that there is no contribution now from those people who are staying in the rural areas?

Is it that the whole sum is now paid by the Government?

MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Yes, Honourable Member, there is no more contribution from the communities now.

HON.

V. PRAKASH.- Mr.

Chair, another supplementary question.


What about those who have paid before and their money is within the system?

So, what will happen in that regard, Mr.

Chair?

MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Thank you, Honourable Member.

Mr.
Mr.

Chair, through you the answer to the question is there is a refunding process that has taken place in terms of the people that have already paid their 10 percent deposit and the decision that was made for Government to fully fund the rural electrification project, so the Department has taken that process of refunding all those communities that have paid.

So the refunding process has taken place.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Just a supplementary question.


All those communities who paid a certain percentage, I believe that was 10 percent of the contribution to the total cost of getting the grid extension to their community, when they were actually refunded where they prioritised because they had actually paid a deposit?

MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.


The Department took a stand on making those priorities because they showed interest and they paid the 10 percent deposit, they were given preference over the lease that was later generated through the Government initiative of full 100 percent.

So, the answer is, yes.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- So, all those projects have basically been completed by now?
6 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Yes, thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Ratu Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

Thank you PS and CEO.

I understand from the Report that is before us, Page V it is quite obvious that Government is funding everything as alluded to a while ago by yourself, PS and CEO; Government is funding rural electrification now without deposits being paid.
Just to help guide the Committee, Mr.

Chair, if I can take us back to the initial status of when we started this rural electrification especially with the role that now this new company (EFL) is now playing.
On the acquisition of some portions of land up there in Monasavu, the leasing of the way leaves also the high voltage and the rural electrification grid extension, et cetera, in the change of the mode of operation to EFL from FEA and now this percentage of payment from the community is no longer taken in as being borne by Government, any thought was given to going back and holding discussions with the landowners that were affected in the way this change has now happened as apart from the initial negotiators that happened way back especially on this rural electrification programme.
We are trying to take the electricity up to the interior, to the hinterland, the very people that provided through their generosity the opportunity to have this big project built on their land.

But in this change, what I am trying to get at, Honourable Chair is, were there some thought given as to how the landowners could be informed of this new change?

I understand CEO shares were floated but when we raised it in the House, it said everyone is the same.
There was no particular or special mention of the landowners in this regard.

They had to either comply with what was being floated by registering themselves or the company, et cetera to get shares but that is the crux of the question that I am raising.

Were there thoughts given, were talks held again or it was simply what we have in hand is enough to take us through?

MR. H. PATEL.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.


I think we are here to discuss rural electrification and the Honourable Member has brought another angle to it and he has brought in the Monasavu Hydro Scheme, I believe.

To be honest, when the Monasavu Hydro Scheme was actually conceived and constructed way back from 1978 to 1981 the landowners were not given electricity then.
It was only many years later that electricity was then connected to all the villages in the vicinity of Monasavu and it was done by the Government and no contribution was charged to the customers.

As far as the land is concerned, I believe the land was acquired then by the government of the day and proper procedures were followed and they were compensated according to the policy prevailing then.

And even today, the same policy is there.
Obviously the policy has been reviewed, there were some challenges, there was a court case and whatever the court case ruling came out in accordance with that particular ruling, EFL is making payments on a yearly basis to people whose land has been utilised for the particular scheme and the transmission line as well as the amount of electricity that is generated by the Monasavu Hydro Scheme; the landowners, each particular mataqali is being compensated on an agreed rate.

Thank you, Sir.
Thank you, Sir.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, that is well noted.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Mr. Chairman, a supplementary question just for the CEO to elucidate further on the reply that he has given.

So, no talks were undertaken with the landowners in this change?

You changed from FEA to EFL even though you floated shares, 7 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 that is where the crux of the question is coming from.
You are inviting people to participate in it, what about the landowners?

MR. CHAIRMAN.- I believe as far as I see, Honourable Member to that particular question, the shares that were offloaded were to the customers and not to the landowners.

As alluded by the EFL CEO, if they are getting a royalty on the units of energy or power that is produced through rural electrification, let us say if they were producing 10 units till to date, they were getting a certain amount, let us say one cent per unit.
Now, with ten units they were getting ten cents but now because of this rural electrification if they are producing 15 units, they are getting 15 cents if I am on the same page.

MR. H. PATEL.- No.

What I am saying is that there are two different subjects one is rural electrification and the other is the landowners who leased their land or some land was outright sold to Fiji Electricity Authority through the Government.

So, I am saying that is totally a different deal.


The government of the day at that time went through that process.

The question that the Honourable Member is asking is that when Fiji Electricity Authority was corporatized to EFL and when shares were given to the domestic customers of EFL, of course, there was a criteria, did EFL or the Government go back and consider those landowners?
What we are saying is, that deal was a separate one that went through the court, initial payments were there, then there was a court case and then the amount of payment was revised.

So the lease payment is also being given and also for the amount of electricity that is generated by the Hydro Scheme on an annual basis for every unit that is generated (not sold), they get so many shall I say “half a cent” or whatever it may be per unit which is given to the landowners.
MR. CHAIRMAN.- That is where I was coming from.

With rural electrification, the energy produced at Monasavu would increase.

That means the royalty would proportionately increase with the increase in the production of electricity.

MR. H. PATEL.- Not necessarily, because the Monasavu Hydro Scheme on a long term average produces about 400 million units of electricity.
Some years if the rainfall is better, then it could produce 420 million units or 430 million units, like for last year it produced 454 million units, but because the rainfall was greater and it produced more than the long term average, obviously the landowners benefitted.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- All right.

Yes, Honourable Radrodro.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you CEO for some of the clarifications.

Just a question on royalty.


You mentioned that EFL is still continuing to pay out royalties as per power generation, is that still continuing to-date?

MR. H. PATEL.- Yes.

Every unit of electricity that is generated out of Monasavu Hydro Scheme, the Wailoa Power Station, there is a certain amount of payment made for every unit of electricity generated.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Per kilowatt hour?

MR. H. PATEL.- Per kilowatt hour.

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Secondly, Mr. Chairman, just a follow-on from the earlier questions regarding the consultations with the landowners.
We know that EFL has now 8 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 changed its operation to become privatised or corporatized and this is where it issues shares, but the concern is regarding consultation where the lease amount that you used to pay the resource owners, whether it has increased and if it has not, why has it not increased given that now it has changed its operations?
MR. H. PATEL.- It has not changed its operations, it has been corporatised from a statutory organisation or statutory government body to basically a corporate organisation, limited liability company with shareholders.

As far as the deal that was struck between Fiji Electricity Authority, that is still continuing.

As part of the new entity, the new entity has to actually fulfil that agreement.

There is no way the agreement has been reduced in anyway.
That agreement passes onto EFL and it has to meet those commitments.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Mr. Chairman, just follow on.

I think the issue that we have also brought up is the Wailoa Power Station and the Wailoa Power House.

The landowners are still asking about the leasing of those two properties.

You can give us an answer to those particular issues?
MR. H. PATEL.- As far as we are concerned, Mr. Chairman and Honourable Members, EFL has all the necessary leases that are required for all the assets that we have out here.

If this topic could be taken up at our office level, we can actually show you all the leases and the landowners through iTaukei Land Trust Board, whoever is the land administrator.
If it was a crown land then obviously the Government had come in, but if it is a native land then obviously iTLTB is the administrator and we have the necessary lease agreements or outright purchase agreements.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you CEO for that clarification.

We will move forward, Honourable Nand, your question, please.

HON.

J.N.

NAND.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I refer to page 2 of your presentation, that is on human resources.
Please advise what is the status of the staff structure of EFL on Rural Electrification Scheme?

MR. H. PATEL.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Honourable Members for that question.

Mr. Chairman, EFL does not have a separate rural electrification unit per se.
Works required for rural electrification projects are handled by existing teams from the Ministry of Land which carries out the survey and way leaves, then we have our Planning and Design Department that carries out the design, then obviously we have our Finance Division that ensures that capital is allocated for the construction of the scheme.
We have our Supply Chain Department which ensures that all the line hardware and materials that are required for the construction of that Rural Electrification Scheme have been ordered and arrived in our inventory, then obviously we have our Legal Team that drafts the agreement that is signed between the Ministry and EFL and then finally, we have our Network Construction Teams and our contractors who then go and construct the powerline.
Finally, once the powerline is constructed and energised, then our Customer Services Team actually goes out to the various rural areas and assist the customers to get connected and of course the prepaid system is installed in the rural areas and the villagers are then taught how to actually buy and purchase the units using their mobile phones or our agents and how to actually enter those digits into these prepaid metre so that the electricity can then flow into their houses.
9 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 I would not say we have got RE Unit per se, but we have got many various departments and all these departments play their part in ensuring the scheme is constructed and finally electricity is delivered.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Thank you Mr. Chairman, through you.

Thank you CEO, just a question on the Rural Electrification Unit.
You do not have a unit as such, even you have jobs being spread out in your present EFL structure, but you as a CEO, having this Rural Electrification Project as one of our primary targets, whether it is this Government of the day or any Government to see that electrification touches the very people that needs it mostly in the especially in rural areas, do you not think that it is prudent that there should be a separate unit for this, given that there is a role that is being played by the Department of Energy here and you two run these two together?
MR. H. PATEL.- What I am saying is, there are different types of resources that are required to execute this scheme.

As I said earlier, you need a team that carries out the survey and gets the way leaves, so that is a group of people.

We have a department, so that is their functionality.

Then we have another department which is the Technical Department that actually carries out the design of the scheme; that is another department.
All I am saying is, these various departments that I have talked about when answering the question, they do not only carry out rural extension schemes, they also build many other power lines, design many other power lines for commercial customers or for reinforcement schemes.

Basically all these resources are there, Sir.

There is no problem, we have not failed in any way till today to carry out these schemes.

Whatever our agreement is with the Ministry to execute so many schemes, we carried it out.
So the point is, the resources cannot be built into one unit to carry out just RE Schemes, because as I said, there are many commercial schemes that are done and the same group of people in each department will do that, but we make sure that our resources are properly utilised.

We give RE a lot of priority, in fact, we discus and we have meetings every month between Ministry of Economy, Department of Energy and ourselves.
We look at the schemes as prioritisation, there is the funding that comes in and we have a yearly target.

In fact in EFL, we have got a Key Performance Indicator that we have to build so many schemes in this particular year and connect so many customers.
It is not a question of whether we should have an RE Unit per se within the organisation because as I said, different skill sets are required right from the word “go” till the end and all these skill sets are in different departments where they carry out their roles, because this is not the only role that they carry out.

We build many of the power lines for commercial customers and for EFL Re-enforcement Schemes as I alluded to earlier.

Thank you, Sir.
Thank you, Sir.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- So basically, you have in-built capacity within FEA to handle.

We do not need a separate unit.

MR. H. PATEL.- We do not need a separate unit.

For example, as I said, we have got survey team, way leave team, design team, finance team, construction crew, they do not carry out only RE schemes, they carry out many other schemes.
10 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 MR. CHAIRMAN.- And coming up in other units would be just duplicating this department again?

MR. H. PATEL.- That is right.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you CEO, I beg to differ with that explanation given by CEO.

Why?

I must declare my interest especially with the Rural Electrification Programme that was undertaken in Taveuni.
We had problems right from the initial stages of the work especially when you are trying to do your way leave.

We had talks with the Department of Energy and then EFL came in very much later.

When the talks that were held with the Department of Energy were not properly well fulfilled in terms of the agreement that was done, because FEA taking over EFL, there was nothing of that sort with EFL.
The agreements were done with the Department of Energy, ye the running of the Rural Electrification Programme when it was opened by the Honourable Prime Minister was undertaken by FEA.

So this is where I thought that there is a need to have a separate unit so it can dovetail with the role of the Department of Energy.

Apart from the Department of Energy, there were other people, other Government officials that were doing the negotiation such as the District Officer, et cetera.
When it came to us asking about the agreement, they said, “FEA is running the thing now.” FEA does not know anything about this agreement that they had raised.

MR. H. PATEL.- Mr. Chairman, can I answer the question?

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes.

MR. H. PATEL.- Let me tell you, that is not an issue you are certainly relating to one particular issue, that does not justify our unit, Sir.

Let me tell you what the Department of Energy does is, they are the ones who decide which area is to be reticulated first.
How many people in that area?

All we are given that information, we have absolute liaison between the two divisions; EFL and the Department of Energy.

They tell us that this is the area, these are the 50 customers, this is the plan, these are the names.

As far as the way leave is concerned, we assume that these people because they want electricity, way leave is going to be an easy issue.

Why will they object to EFL planting their power poles because they are going tobe the beneficiaries.
So between EFL and the Department of Energy, we co-ordinate the way leave.
Generally it is left to us because under the Electricity Act there are certain places, we can obviously in the road reserves and all, we can put out power poles but if it needs to enter into private property, for the private property’s owner, obviously why will he object but we then consult him and say, “where do you want the power pole to be?” Sir, I do not see any difficulty, we have not had any difficulty in executing so many hundreds of schemes that we have done.
EFL within our resources which are properly allocated in track, as the Government started pumping in more money towards the rural electrification, we had to increase our resources.

Let me assure you, Sir, that the amount of people that are doing way leaves, we had to bring in more Way Leaves Officers because there are more projects and more money coming in now.
We had to increase our resources, in fact the contractors at one stage, we had only half dozen of contractors, today we have 20 contractors because we have to build many, many more 11 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 schemes.

So if you are trying to see whether EFL has been effective in constructing and executing these schemes, I am very humbly saying “yes, Sir we have been”.

We agreed to a programme and we deliver the programme.
What department in EFL, we all contribute, we do not have e a unit per se; that is not the right way to go because we need to do build many power lines.

A commercial customer also come to us, we do almost about 100 schemes a year for them; they are opening new factories, new buildings they also apply for power.

So the same group of people are involved.

You can say, “it is a unit within the organisation but we know where the Unit is, we know who is responsible for what.

Thank you, Sir.
Thank you, Sir.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Just for general knowledge, people also need to understand when the Department of Energy actually goes and visits certain communities like if there are 55 houses, only 50 people might actually give consent realising there was an issue previously when we actually started with the Rural Electrification, not everyone was consenting to have EFL lines connected to their houses because they had this fear of fire.
When the project started they started running to the Government saying, “why only 50 houses have been connected to the grid and five have been left out?” When we contacted the Department of Energy, we found out that they were the ones who did not give consent in the first place.

So it has been happening and these are some of the hiccups that came about with rural electrification at the initial stage.
MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Mr. Chairman, if I may just add to the conversation that is going on, another issue that is being looked at by the Department of Energy is the after the survey problems.

When the Department of Energy goes and does the survey or takes account of people’s needs, one must understand that the target is always moving.

If we went and surveyed 50 houses, within the next two or three weeks there would be two more houses coming in to be surveyed.
The community is also growing and the budget allocation that goes through the process of budgeting is allocated for the first survey numbers.

So, that is an issue that is also encountered by both the Department of Energy and EFL in terms of trying to sort out these problems.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- I believe the two houses that are left, they actually have to wait for another survey to be conducted.

They cannot be connected while others are being connected.
This is very important for the general public’s knowledge as well because they expect that if 50 are connected, they should be connected as well without realising that the budget is only for the 50 houses and not for 52 houses.

That is a very important thing to note.

We will move forward.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Mr.

Chair, just a further clarification on the funding for rural electrification.
According to the explanation by the CEO, EFL does the survey and the costings then refer those costings to the Department of Energy.

Can you just advise the Committee what sort of verification process or independence approach in terms of verifying the costings given by EFL that the Department of Energy uses to fund the rural electrification projects.

MR. H. PATEL.- The Department of Energy and EFL has very close affiliation.

We are very transparent.


When we give the quotation for any particular scheme, we do not just write and say, “we need $200,000.” We them a total breakdown of how many power poles, what is the conductor length, how many insulators, how many fuses; sometimes it is three or four pages of each hardware that is required, the quantum that is required and the price for it.

And be it known that when EFL quotes for such schemes, there is no margin.

The intention is not to make money.


The intention is to electrify Fiji and therefore what we do is, we do it at cost and we give them that this is the costing and this is the breakdown.

12 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 The Department of Energy has every right because remember they know how many customers are there.
So when we give them a plan together with the cost, they will make sure that the plan is referring to those 50 people that they asked for and not 60 people and we have added 10 more or not 40 people when they ask for 50.

So, they do their checks and balances and they have a complete breakdown as I say of quantities of material, labour, time, rates and they have every right.
In the past this has happened, Sir, that there have been lots of questions raised and they have actually come down to EFL and gone into our Navision system software to see what is there.

For example, when we buy anything, it goes into our inventory then our financial software automatically says what is the cost of this thing as it entered in our inventory and that is the cost that we charge when we bill the department for executing any particular scheme.

So, the checks and balances are there.


They have every right and they have done so in the past.

PS, you might want to say a word or two.

MR. M. BELENA.- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Just to add onto the explanation by CEO.

Yes, I think there has been a very thorough process in place in terms of the detailed breakdown of the quotations that are forwarded to us.
I think before EFL just provide us the total cost of the project and through that discussion that we have been having with them, we have made some changes in terms of them providing us a detailed breakdown of the cost that are involved.

I believe in some cases even though we want to extend the grid to a certain place whether there is only one or two houses but the cost might be more compared to a location where there is more than 10 or 20 houses.
This is because of the materials that are involved in terms of the transmission, the transformers and all the other equipments that will be used from those grid extension projects.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- A follow on supplementary question to what has been mentioned by the respective gentlemen.

The role of the Committee is to ensure that there is maximum value for money on the use of public funds.
This $11.18 million for rural electrification is quite a big amount and knowing that EFL is just the only entity that provides electricity.

So the question that I was raising initially was whether the Department of Energy conducts its own independent assessment of the cost that is being given by EFL being the only entity that is providing the electricity grid extension, say in this particular case, rural electrification?

MR. M. BELENA.- Thank you Honourable Member for the question.
Yes, for the department also does its analysis with our electrical team in terms of the quotations that were provided by EFL.

We also make sure that we always get value for money for the quotations that were provided in relation to the customers and the communities that will be assisted for that project.

Thank you.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Mr. Chairman, a supplementary question to the Department of Energy.
In your process of verification and the costings that comes from EFL, do you also consider the places where the new grid extension is going to take place for rural electrification, the returns to resources owners; is that also part of your verification process of costs to what EFL has produced or is it just relating only to the grid extension?

MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Apologies Honourable Member, maybe just for clarity on what sort of benefits to the resource owners?
13 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Leasehold money or compensation where the electricity poles are placed en route to the respective settlements or villages.

Do you also take those into consideration as part of your costings of the rural electrification projects?

MR. M. BELENA.- Thank you Honourable Member.


As alluded to by CEO in terms of our rural electrification programme, it is something that we have agreed upon together with the communities that part of their contribution is for them to provide the access for grid extension projects and .... HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- That is free of charge?

MR. M. BELENA.- Yes, so currently we do not provide any compensation for any rural electrification project especially when the project directly goes to those beneficiaries.
MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Just to add on to that supplementary question, one must understand that rural electrification grid extension goes through after the Fiji Roads Authority have built their roads.

There is a chain of events that is happening so based on that progress in terms of FR extension in terms of rural communities, the next project in line is the rural electrification project.
So, based on that sort of scenario things happening under the Department of Energy and EFLs contribution to this project.

There is a way leave process that is happening and also trying to meet the target or the demand or the needs of the rural communities out there and that is one of the contributions from the public or the rural communities is the benefits that they are getting through this rural electrification exercise.

HON.

RATU N.T.
HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Through you , Honourable Chairman, thank you PS, just to help guide the Committee.

I understand that the Director of Energy has been mentioning that our CEO is a different representation altogether, he is representing EFL.

The Department of Energy is part of the ministry.


So, I think we need to be clear with that but again PS when landowners give their consent for the power poles to be constructed through way leave, et cetera, whether it is within road reserve or touching on land that has not been paid compensation, we give it with that full understanding as CEO alluded to earlier on, we want electricity but at the same time the same electricity when the powers are being connected, user-pay kicks in.
Whether it is the landowners or the people who finally receive the power, whether they are running shops or whatever, that is it.

Nothing through the very generosity of the landowners, they are provided the opportunity for the way leave to be put through their land without anything being paid.

Again I bring our experience in Taveuni for this.


Nothing has been paid, even though we have free wiring et cetera in the village itself, but apart from other than that, user pay; whether you are in the village or outside of the village.

So it is based on that and that is EFL.

They have to generate income so as to sustain themselves, but in the process, where is this understanding of the role that the landowners have played, anything going back to them?
MR. CHAIRMAN.- Honourable Member, I believe we are diverging from the report itself on these lease issue et cetera.

I think those questions are policy ones and it would be better if these questions can be posed in the Chamber.

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Mr. Chairman, I think those are relating to rural electrification funding, whether that is also included in the funding that is highlighted here by 14 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 the EFL; whether the Ministry has also taken into consideration those issues that we have raised, especially it is in the Constitution.
The CEO and the PS would be very much aware that this is related to the Constitution; Section 30 on the the rights of the landowners.

So how does that take into consideration the funding that you are showing, that is why I asked the question of verification of the funding.
MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, as alluded to by CEO, EFL is not making a single percent profit when they are doing rural electrification, because if they actually start to do so, you must realise that there is a cost transfer and then it will be transferred to the customers.

Already people are saying that tariffs are high.

With the cost is going up, it will again increase the tariff.

As I said earlier, these are policy decisions.


The best person to answer would be the line Minister line Minister in the Chamber rather than asking the civil servants who basically are just implementing the policies that are coming from the Government.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- I think we are just asking supplementary questions on what has been given by the interviewees.
They have mentioned that they did the surveys and the costings and that is why we raised those questions whether those particular costings also include the issues that we have raised.

MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Department of Energy and the Ministry requests to take the questions and we will get back to you in writing in terms of the verification.

MR. H. PATEL.- Mr. Chairman, I just have one more point to make with regards to the questions that have come.
When we are constructing or extending the grid to supply rural customers, part of the line could be going through the road reserve, so that is the road reserve.

Supposedly, if there are three power poles that may fall into some landowner’s land, so obviously he is being asked that in order to supply you with electricity , the benefit of supplying, we will have to put a power pole out here, do you agree?.

Now the choice is his.


He has a choice to make, whether he wants electricity, then he has to give that land for the power pole.

If you say on one hand that the landowner needs to be compensated, then at the end of the day, is it fair that you have to pay the landowner for that particular power pole, then give the free connection to them.

Then the cost ultimately will come on to the taxpayers anyway.

So that is the point and it is a policy decision as far as ….

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- (Inaudible) MR. H. PATEL.- If I may finish, Sir?

As I am saying, as far as EFL is concerned, EFL costs are basically to do the construction, that is all we do.

As far as other matters that are concerning landowners et cetera, that is up to the policy makers of the country.

Thank you.

HON.

V. PRAKASH.- Mr. Chairman, one supplementary question.

The first thing is, whatever work that is being done with the rural electrification, that is within the legal framework.
The other thing is, the cost of energy that is supplied to rural customers are at a special rate compared to those in the urban centre or do that have the same rate?

MR. H. PATEL.- Thank you, Sir, through the Chair.

The Government actually subsidises electricity to those domestic customers whose combined family income is 15 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 $30,000.00 per annum or less.
As we speak today, there are thousands of customers who are being subsidised by the Government for the electricity they consume especially in the rural areas.

While the customer may have agreed that you can put your power pole out here because I want the electricity and also another important point, there was a question asked by the Honourable Member, how does the landowner benefit?

When you get electricity, life totally changes, Sir.
There are so many benefits, the children can study at night, people can surf the internet, many benefits, you may say those are intangible benefits but you can put a price to it.

We have seen this, that life totally changes when someone starts receiving electricity, but in answering your question, Sir, yes, there are customers, thousands of domestic customers who actually their electricity is subsidised by the Government.

In fact those are first 100 units.


If you are a subsidised customer that means your combined family income is $30,000 per annum or less, you can come to EFL and say this is my situation, there are few checks and balances, you sign up and then you become a subsidised customer.

So the first 100 units of your electricity consumption basically, it is almost like you pay 52 percent and Government pays 48 percent; almost 50/50 for the first 100 units.

HON.
HON.

V. PRAKASH.- That means the benefit goes to most of the rural customers compared to the urban customers?

MR. H. PATEL.- I would think so, because the rural customers probably do not have that income level that perhaps the urban dwellers would have, but there is a process.

Even if you are an urban dweller and if your combined family income is $30,000.00 or less, you also have a right to become a subsidised customer.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you Honourable Prakash for that question.
Yes, Honourable Radrodro.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Mr. Chairman, just a comment on what CEO has mentioned about the rights to landowner’s benefits.

I think it needs to be directed towards the Constitution and that is the main legal authority in terms of the fair share of royalty to the landowners and that is the basis of the question that has been asked in terms of the valuation and the costing that has been given regarding rural electrification.
Of course, we need electricity and when electricity comes, yes, we will enjoy it but should it be given to us at the expense of resource owners and against the Constitution which says that every resource owner needs to be compensated on a fair share on the resources that they own.

That is basically the angle that we are trying to elaborate on this afternoon.

MR. H. PATEL.- Thank you, Sir.

Just a final verification unless the PS wants to say anything.
As far as we are concerned, basically till the landowner allows us to put the power pole, we do not put the power pole and he agrees that you can put it there at free of charge, then we do it.

If they wish to levy a charge, then it is up to the Department of Energy to liaise with them.

Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

We will move forward.

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Just a question to the CEO, I note that the question and answers that you gave on the EFL and RE Unit, I think we have touched this question too already?

16 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, we have.

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- You have a section on land affairs, can you just elaborate what does this land affairs do in terms of the work that they do and probably it might give us some hindsight of what we are just talking about now.

MR. H. PATEL.- Thank you, we have a lands affairs department which is headed by a departmental head.

They probably have at least close to 8 to 10 people within the Department.
These are basically officers who are involved in the acquisition of land when we execute our projects, even the RE projects they are involved in, they make sure that if the the power pole is going to be located in a certain location, that the landowner does not have any objection to it.

If there is any objection to it than we do raise it with the Department of Energy and saying ‘we cannot build the line there and supply electricity because there is an objection’.
So the Lands Affairs Department’s function are basically to carry out all land affair matters in the act position of land whether it is leased or price purchase on various projects.

There are a number of people who are involved in this entire role.

Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

We will move forward to Question No.

4.

I believe Honourable Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu will ask that question.

HON.

RATU N.T.
HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Mr. Chairman, through you, it is in two parts: a) Diesel Generator Scheme Can EFL advise on the Rural Electrification Policy and whether consultations conducted have incorporated the necessary changes?

If not, why not?

; b) Solar Schemes Can EFL explain its role on how does the Rural Electrification Programme incorporate the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation on the Rural Electrification Funding Programme.
Especially on the second question because we found this to be quite interesting in the way you have explained the role that EFL plays and the Department of Energy and this one here seems to be on its own.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, Honourable Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for asking that question.

I believe (a) is directed to the Department of Energy and question (b) is for EFL.
So we will go to Question (a) first if the Department of Energy can give a response because I do not think the Diesel Generator Scheme is directed to EFL and then we will go to EFL for the second part of the question.

MR. D.S.

CHAND.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We will respond on the Diesel Generator Scheme first.
Just to brief the Honourable Members of the Committee on the Rural Electrification Policy currently we are in the process of drafting our Rural Electrification Policy, it is still in the draft stage and we have sent it for consultation but once it is done we will bring it to Cabinet for approval.

That policy will actually promote the use of sustainable and affordable electricity supply which is also in the currently policy which we have.

It is just the extension of the old policy to the new one.
This will include the installation of solar diesel and the wind grid system.

Also the Government is currently facing out the use of diesel 17 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 generators due to the high fuel cost, lack of technical and managerial skills and high operational maintenance cost.

So just to brief the Committee, we have currently around more than 200 generators on the field.
Some of these generators are currently having problems so what we have done, we have slowly installed the solar home systems on these current communities due to the reasons which I have mentioned earlier.

Also for some of these communities we have also pulled the Grid Extension Programmes particularly for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and also we are slowly doing it for Taveuni and of course Ovalau is completely done.
Mr. Chairman, for Solar Scheme in the Draft Policy there is a section which has been included also for donor funded projects.

This will also include the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Programme.

This is also an amended section in the new policy where we also encourage the donor funding agencies to come in.

This section will y highlight the processes and procedures to be followed before the project is implemented.
This will include but not limited to the vetting of projects designed and also the operation and business model that the company intends to use.

It is in the best of Government that such projects are sustainable and in line of the existing policies and plans.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Just a supplementary question on that, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you, Director.


When do you foresee the turnaround time for the implementation of the new policy?

Why I am raising that is because, see for the second part of the question, money is being received.

And where the money goes, that is another big story.

It does not go to the treasury neither does it go to EFL.
It goes into a private account, yet you are coming up with this new policy of donor funds being generously given or provided for to help communities such as we have in our country to be able to access this kind of basic necessity.

Thank you.

MR. M. BELENA.- Thank you, Honourable Member.


As highlighted by my colleague that the Draft Electrification Policy has been circulated to stakeholders for their comments so we should expecting to receive all their comments before the end of the month before we will submitting it to Cabinet for their endorsement.

So, probably we are looking at around May to have the policy endorsed.

HON.

RATU N.T.
HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Mr. Chairman, will that affect the programmes that you have in place because when we visited Vio Island, Kadavu is already on the radar with the Department of Energy, yet it is the funds, the collection of funds.

Where do you collect that funds?

Where does that money go to?

I thought once you are provided electricity perhaps that could be part of the new policy where the funds go to.

Does it go to EFL?

MR. M. BELENA.- Thank you, Honourable Member.


Something that we are currently facing especially with donor funded projects, I think, not only with Leonardo DiCarpio Foundation on Rural Electrification Funding Programme but other projects that does not come through Government or the Department of Energy, we tend to come and realise that the project is there only when the community comes back to us with complaints that there are some technical issues with the design.
For us to address that, we have included that section in our revised policy to ensure that due process is followed especially where we have to engage Government or the Department at the initial stage especially during the vetting of the design and also looking at the operation model or the business model that the donor agencies or in 18 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 some cases private companies will want to use or to implement for rural communities.
So, we have come up with this section with the intention to safeguard the participation of rural communities especially for these kind of projects which are not channelled through the Government machinery.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Radrodro.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Just a supplementary question to the Director.


This issue was brought up in 2014 when the Diesel Generator Schemes were found to be very expensive to the settlements or villagers who were utilising those diesel generators.

The follow up audit stated that the Department of Energy will draw up and finalise the Rural Electrification Policy and that was in 2014.

Are you sure that you will take up to mid-year that you will finalise this policy?
Secondly, once you are in the process of finalising this policy, how long it will take, what happens to those diesel generated electricity, has the Ministry conducted any viable study to provide an alternative source of electricity or do they still continue with the high cost of the diesel generated schemes?

MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Thank you, Honourable Member.

The policy’s target date given under my Ministry will be completed this year; that I think is on record.
I just wanted to highlight to the Committee this afternoon in terms of the progress of rural electrification in Fiji.

Just for your information, what we are trying to achieve is electricity for all by year 2021 which is next year and every Fijian needs to be having access to some sort of electricity.

There is another target which is to have renewable energy by year 2035.
When you look at the timelines in terms of the targets and the progress so far, it is quite a challenge not only for the Ministry but EFL also and for other stakeholders on the market in terms of making sure that Fiji is energised through electricity.

While the target for rural electrification is ongoing at the moment, we look at diesel generators, we look at solar home-systems and we look at renewable energy.

We are also looking at bio-fuel and wind energy.


These are programmes under the Department of Energy that are all ongoing programmes in terms of trying to achieve the targets.
When you look at the current mix in terms of where we can achieve our renewable energy, we are looking at Viti Levu in terms of trying to achieve 2035 target of getting renewable energy to the people of Fiji because that is where most communities are located and that is also where the resources are in terms of hydro power and renewable energy.
So, basically when one strategically looks at it, we are trying to phase out the diesel generators that are currently here with us and we are all trying our best to make sure that where we can, we pull the energy from grid extensions and also the new technology that has come on board which is the solar home systems.

I hope I have cleared the Committee with my explanation.

Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you for that explanation.

EFL if you have any contribution to that particular question.
MR. H. PATEL.- No, thank you.

19 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Just a follow-up to the second one regarding the answers that has been given, Viti Renewable Energy is the entity that is conducting the solar energy electrification of Vio Island and maybe you can advise us of the arrangement there, because we found out that the villages were paying so much and they were only levied so much electricity per day.
They were only allowed to use so much equipment so that it can be in par with their daily quota.

Can you just enlighten the Committee on the arrangement that has been made there?

MR. H. PATEL.- The Vio Island Electrification Scheme, first I will tell you about Viti Renewables.

Viti Renewables is a subsidiary of EFL which has a 51 percent shareholding by EFL and 49 percent by a local company who is in the solar energy game called Synergize.
So, basically Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation had allocated certain funds and there is a trust that actually operates that fund.

Sir, EFL does not have anything to do with that fund neither does Synergize has anything to do with that fund.

There is a trust that has been operating and the Leonardo Fund comes into a trust and there are a number of trustees.

The actual construction of the scheme in terms of the solar panels, et cetera that was done under Viti Renewables by Synergize.
Synergize has the expertise to do all that, they are in that particular business.

So, that was agreed.

They had put their quotes and the trust had given them to carry on.

That was the whole arrangement with Leonardo that Synergise will do that and Viti Renewables is a company because EFL will also ensure that basically everything is above board.

So, the scheme as you will need to understand that solar energy has its limitations.
Solar energy without batteries can only supply you certain amount of electricity, depends on what the sun hours are like.

So, it is not like, if you are an EFL customer, grid connected, you will have electricity most of the time unless there is a planned outage or something.
But as far as the sun solar in Vio Island is concerned, there is a certain amount or shall I say, solar panels have been installed, depending on the number of hours and that is why there is a restrictions on what you can use and how much because if some particular customer starts using more, then the other will be denied electricity because there is usually a certain amount of sun hours during the day and the panels will only generate a certain amount of electricity.
There is a diesel plant out there as well to actually supplement the whole thing.

But again, that cost also has to be then borne by the villagers because it is the scheme for them, and it is not a grid connected scheme.

That is the understanding, so it is unlike customers who are connected to the EFL grid, they are totally different.

They get their supply 24/7 unless there is an outage or something.
This one, there are totally dependent only on that solar that is on the island plus there is a diesel generator.

Again, the diesel generator can run but the diesel needs to be fit in by the team out there.

The villagers will have to see how they sort it out but for most of the time, if they use electricity as they had been told in a regulated manner, then they should be able to enjoy the benefits of electricity.
Remember, unless you have a proper big plant, you cannot ensure 24/7 electricity and that is the reason for that, shall I say, limitations in regulating what you can use and how much you can use.

Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Lalabalavu.

20 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALVU.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you CEO for that explanation.


I had only hoped that that was the message that was conveyed by the Honourable Prime Minister when he launched that Dicaprio Project on Vio Island.

We toured Vio Island, the Honourable Chairman led our group and the expectations, so to speak, is totally different.
They were led to believe that this will be 24/7 apart from what you have just said, power supply, men can run their own deep freezers, since most of them were fishermen and they can run these small businesses from there; however the reality was totally different.

It was a bit hard for them to understand that, so we came back with this feedback in mind.

Now having heard that it is a subsidiary of EFL, I am just wondering about the funds that are being collected there.
MR. H. PATEL.- The funds do not come to, what basically we do is, for example, the initial contractor was Synergize and the ONM of the scheme is also carried by Synergize.

So, when any payment has to be done, he will raise the invoice to the Trust, the Trust will then forward the funds to EFL and EFL will then pay him.

So, EFL in anyway does not make a cent out of that, we are just out there to ensure that things move in a very transparent and smooth manner and the community is benefitting.
That is our role.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Mr. Chairman, just a question to the Director of the Ministry, especially with this kind of project like the one in Vio Island.

What role does the Ministry play in the oversight of its implementation and the operations of this project?

MR. M. BELANA.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman and the Honourable Member.

I think for the Ministry, we were part of the technical team that were involved in the vetting of the design of the project.
Apart from that, we are also a member of the Fiji Rural Electrification Project (FREP) Committee which meets on a regular basis in terms of replicating the design.

I think the plan on the project was to include an additional 10 sites, so we were part of the Committee that had gone through that process of shortlisting the 10 additional sites for the FREP project.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Mr. Chairman, you are just part of the planning side not the operational processes?
MR. M. BELANA.- No, Honourable Member.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you for that.

We will move forward and this question is posed to both; the Ministry as well as EFL.

How do you maintain records, do you have a database or anything for rural electrification and grid extension?

MR. D.S.

CHAND.- In the department we have many database at the moment.

For rural electrification, let me just brief you on what projects we are doing.

The first project is, we do grid extension programmes together with EFL.
The second one is the house wiring programmes, the third one is the solar home system programmes, the fourth one is to implement or we have started piloting this - solar hybrid projects and the fifth one is the other renewal projects, for example, pico-hydros and all those.

For all these projects, we have different databases.

Currently we have the excel database, but the plan is to have all these databases together at once.

Currently we have this databases implemented in our units.
Just to respond, the answer to this question, currently the Rural Electrification Unit is storing all the data through an excel spreadsheet.

This is managed by two of our Clerical Officers who are manually updating each individual customer information.
As 21 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 application progresses, the Department has already had some preliminary discussions with ITC on the development of a proper database, however this will be proposed as part of the Department’s submission in the next budget year.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Any reason for not considering having a database because you have been involved in rural electrification since 2017 and we are now in 2020.
What were some of the hindrances that the Ministry is proposing now to have a database when we are almost on the verge of completion because as announced by Honourable Prime Minister, this Rural Electrification Programme comes to an end in 2020 or 2021, at least by next year.

So, what was the purpose of not actually coming forth and having this database and just using an excel to store data?

MR. M. BELANA.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.


For the database, we have already undertaken the process of coming up with a structure; the structure of the actual database or how the database will look like.

That was actually funded through a programme that we had with UNDP, the Fiji Renewable Energy Power Programme, so they had actually assisted us with the formulation or the setting up of the structure for the database.

Unfortunately, that programme has come to an end.


We had actually proposed for Government to provide us with a budget for the actual setting up of the database.

We had proposed that in the last budgetary year for this current financial year, but unfortunately it did not come through.

We will be proposing again in the next budget.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- But do you think it is practical to actually ask for the budget when we know that this Rural Electrification Programme is coming to an end?
What would be the purpose of having this database now if these programmes are coming to an end because as I had alluded earlier, that by 2021 or 2022 or in the next couple of years, this programme will be obsolete, when everyone has some kind of power source.

So if there is any modification to the database, we are proposing that the Ministry may use that in the future because development could take time as well.

MR. M. BELANA.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.


I think the database is a very important component in terms of storing the information and the records of all the applications that have applied for assistance through Government.

Even though we have set a target for 2021, I think the programme will continue to go on taking into consideration the level of development that has been taking place especially in rural areas, new houses being built.
That is why the database would be very important in terms of keeping and storing all the important information for our customers.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, PS.

MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Mr. Chairman, just to clarify that the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services is a very big ministry.

This Department are sort of interlinked and related.
Under the Ministry there is a Disaster Management Office that looks after disaster management and information in terms of database storage for the people of Fiji is quite important.

One needs to understand the communities and other capabilities around those communities and based on that data information around disaster management.
The Disaster Management Office is also going towards community based disaster management and this database will be very important in terms of village profiling and understanding what are the capabilities within that community when it comes to disaster management.

Thank you.

MR. H. PATEL.- Mr. Chairman, if I may?

22 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Mr. Patel.
MR. H. PATEL.- How does EFL maintain its record database on Rural Electrification and Grid Extensions?

We have a very elaborate and simple system.

Let me just repeat what I have said already but this will become absolutely clear.

So when we are told that you need to extend the grid to supply so many rural customers, obviously we go through surveys, way leaves are obtained, we do what we call our “Path System Load Flow Analysis”, the designed approvals and then we construct the schemes.
Once we have constructed and commissioned the scheme, that means now the electricity is flowing.

Then as far as all the assets that we have on site (power poles) that is all collected into our Geographical Information System (GIS).

So we can go into our office and open all that and we know exactly every power pole that is out in the field and where.

So that is as far as our assets go.

As far as these people who have already been connected, they have become our customers now.
So we have all their customer database in our billing system.

We know exactly everyone in Fiji who is connected to the grid.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you CEO for that answer.

Yes, Honourable Radrodro.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thank you CEO for the steps taken by EFL in terms of record keeping.

Just a question - since the two institutions are under one Ministry.

Do you share information in terms of the records that you do have?
Can you share the resources to ensure that the limitations by the Department of Energy can be facilitated by EFL especially they have now become your customers from EFL?

But in terms of solar, they are probably in the way of becoming your customers in future or at a later date because they are independent.

Secondly, the system of payment that is currently in use by those solar customers.
The Office of the Auditor-General have highlighted that it has failed numerous times and therefore the customers are not charged or are not being supplied with electricity because they are not paying or they are using electricity without being properly levied the right amount.

So can you just give us an update on what steps are being taken by the Ministry and the Department in terms of addressing those solar customer’s RESCO machines as they call it.
MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- I will respond to the sharing of information question that was asked by the Honourable Member.
As Permanent Secretary one of the agenda that I put through to the Ministry is to ensure that the capacity building within the Ministry and also to look at the disaster management side of the Ministry in terms of the Disaster Management Office, and through that, one of the requirements through the Director NDMO is to work very closely with its stakeholders mainly EFL, Water Authority of Fiji and Fiji Roads Authority.
So through this Disaster Management Policy and the mainstreaming of disaster management activities, one of the requirements is data sharing.

Based on that database that is being built with the Department of NDMO and through that information sharing, the NDMO office is working very closely with Karunesh’s team through EFL during disaster management.
23 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 The target is for the Ministry to understand where all the infrastructure is in Fiji during times of disaster and during normal times also.

So, this database sharing and information sharing is a work in progress at the moment with the Ministry through the Director of NDMO’s office.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- That information sharing regarding customers are those that are only connected through FEA grid?
MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- This is all the information that is with EFL; EEFL’s customers.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- For the second part of the question?

MR. M. BELENA.-Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Honourable Member, I think for the solar home system as you have rightly mentioned that in terms of the collection, just for the information of the Committee, at the moment Government have already installed more than 13,500 systems on the ground.
Each customer is requested to pay $18 per month as a rental fee on the system.

We have some arrears as highlighted by the OAG Report.

We have also highlighted some of the challenges that we are currently facing in terms of the collection of the $18.

Firstly, at the moment we are doing the manual collection.

So, we have our revenue collectors who normally goes out on a quarterly basis to collect the solar revenue from the customers.
We have about 14 revenue collectors which have been appointed to collect solar revenue from these 13,500 customers.

With that, we have 13,500 customers, so looking at the ratio, each revenue collector will be looking at around 900 customers.

So that in itself is a big challenge and also the cost associated for us to mobilise our team to do the collection is also very expensive.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- I am sorry, just a clarification.

How does the RESCO system work?


Does it work similar to the cash power system?

MR. M. BELENA.- The RESCO operates in a slight different way from the prepay system.

In this case, the prepay, they buy the tokens.

I think for the solar system we manually collect the cash from the communities.

Initially when we had started with the solar programme back in the early 2000, we were using the prepay meter but because of the modification of the design, that also changed the mode of collection.
Back then we were using the DC meters.

So, we have the DC prepay meters that we had installed where customers have to pay the tokens.

But now that we have modified the design, we are using mostly on the AC system.

I think in the market we do not have those kinds of AC meters available and that is why we are manually collecting the revenue from our customers.

I think also the accessibility, looking at our project locations.
We have projects in Rotuma, Lau and all over Fiji especially for those areas which are inaccessible by EFL.

So accessibility to the site is also a big challenge for us.

And of course looking at the financial manual, I think as per for the financial manual, they have to do the banking on a daily basis but due to the remoteness and the unavailability of banking facilities, it is quite a challenge for our officers to carry out this banking on a daily basis especially when they are out in the islands.
24 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

Any final question with regards to rural electrification?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Mr.

Chair, just a question to CEO regarding the accessibility for recharging of the cash power system.

There used to be accessible to FEA officers but now we no longer can get recharge from FEA Head Office in terms of cash power purchases.
Is there any particular reason why we are no longer allowed to make purchase from FEA office?

MR. H. PATEL.- Thank you for the question, Honourable Member.

Previously we used to have agents appointed at various locations and the customers used to go to various agents in the business districts whether it is Nausori, Suva or Nasinu and Tailevu also and they used to purchase this.

But we have even created a better system for quite some time now, where practically in Fiji everyone has a mobile phone.
So, you can always go on your mobile phone, within the luxury of your home, because supposedly if your electricity goes off at 8 o’clock at night whatever you had purchased, that credit has expired and even at 8 o’clock at night (in the luxury of your home) you can go on the mobile phone and buy it.

You will get the numbers and you can punch it in and you will have the electricity again.

So, that is even better.

Why do you have to come to EFL office?


You can just sit in your home, you do not even have to spend bus fare ; save money.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Only to the Vodafone users?

MR. H. PATEL.- Vodafone, Digicel; both the platforms.

If you are a Digicel customer, you go on Digicel, or Vodafone customer go on Vodafone platform.

But the agencies are still there if you want to use them.

This is for people who suddenly run out of electricity credit at night, then you can always go on this platform.

Thank you.
Thank you.

HON.

V. PRAKASH.- Mr. Chairman, thank you very much.

Sir, we are really proud for brightening this nation but we feel with the programmes that you have and the advancement that you have gone through and also trying to assist the customers living in the rural areas, how about your awareness programme?
Are you carrying out regular awareness programmes so that these customers, especially those in the maritime areas and rural areas are able to know whereas we feel that this Vodafone and Digicel mobile phone payment and the other things that you have for the Sustainable Development Goal up to 2035 so that the entire country knows about your plan.

I am really interested to know.


How often do you carryout these awareness programmes so that the people are aware with all the latest products that you have got to brightening our nation in the future?

MR. H. PATEL.- Thank you very much, Honourable Member.

Firstly, I think I just want to clarify that EFL’s presence is on four islands right now.

We are in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau and Taveuni.

So, these are four areas which we electrify and supply electricity to.
Now, obviously whenever we connect new customers like, for example, if there is an RE Scheme in any one of these islands, before the customers get connected, once the grid is extended, my team from customer service go to these villages.

They talk to these villagers, they teach them how to buy these tokens, et cetera and then also if there is no power supply or something happens to the power lines how do they get in touch with EFL, et cetera.
So, there 25 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 is regular visits by the EFL team to these new batch of customers that we connect on a regular basis, that is one side of information dissemination.

Now, in terms of our big programmes, in terms of safety, et cetera we do leaflets in the bills that we send, we go on TV advertisements; there are a number of ways we are actually disseminating information but we intend to actually expand that further.
We will be launching a proper information programme regarding safety because I have seen there have been a number of electrical accidents that have happened and we want people, especially in the rural areas not to fall prey to these accidents.

So, we will be launching a lot of things; we are still doing lots of pamphlets.

If you go to any of our customer service centre, you will find all these pamphlets available for people to take and read and discuss with their families.
However, this year once we get out of this coronavirus situation and hopefully we will by God’s grace very soon then we will be launching a very important public dissemination programme on safety and many other issues.

Also the way on how EFL plans to become renewable.

What are our plans to bring in more hydro electricity?

What are our plans for more solar plants that we already have our plans, we will try disseminating information so that people are well aware of the plans.

Thank you.
Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you very much Ministry of Infrastructure as well as Energy Fiji Limited for that particular submission.

We do take note of the response that you have provided with regards to SDGs and we will go through it at a later stage within the Committee.

You do not have to present yourself to present that.

Final comments from OAG with regards to today’s submission?

AUDIT REP.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We note from the submission today.


From the report itself as you can see on page 7, 50 percent of the recommendations have been implemented once this report was compiled, while the additional 36 precent were being implemented.

We note the main issue that is outstanding now is the policy that they will be finalising soon.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you OAG.

Any final comments from EFL?


MR. H. PATEL.- Mr. Chairman, once again I would leave my business cards, I wish to give to all the Members and if they need any services from EFL, please feel free to call me.

Thank you very much.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you CEO.

Yes, the Ministry?

MR. T. VAKADRAVUYACA.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Honourable Members for the opportunity.

Before we leave I just would like to close off with a final comment as the Permanent Secretary.
We have in front of us some targets that we need to achieve and the energy for all by 2021, which is next year and renewable energy by 2035.

That is the national target and I think everyone in this room is responsible for that target.
Based on the submissions and the questions and answers that have come through this afternoon, I already see an issue in terms of renewable energy, and there is a need for collaboration between the landowners and the Government and even the private sector in order for us to be able to achieve our renewable energy target, especially in the main islands of Viti Levua and Vanua 26 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 Levu.
Based on that statement, there is a need for the rural communities to actually start organising themselves with the potential resource of renewable energy through hydro power schemes and come out and start working closely with the Government and investment partners for us to be able to achieve that target.

As for the Ministry, we are here to facilitate the policy and ensuring that these targets are met.

Thank you very much.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you PS for those comments.


I would like to ask Honourable Nand to thank the submittees on behalf of the Committee, please.

(Vote of thanks – Hon.

J.N.

Nand) MR. CHAIRMAN.- I shall now adjourn the meeting.
The Committee adjourned at 2.48 p.m. 27 | Verbatim Report – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Fiji Ltd Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS Performance Audit Report on the Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 (PP No.
153/2019) Verbatim Report Ministry of Forestry THURSDAY, 19TH MARCH, 2020 VERBATIM NOTES OF THE MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS HELD AT THE COMMITTEE ROOM (WEST WING), PARLIAMENT PRECINCTS, GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS ON WEDNESDAY 19TH MARCH, 2020 AT 1.05 P.M Interviewee/Submittee: Ministry of Forestry In Attendance: 1) Mr. Pene Baleinabuli 2) Ms. Sanjana Lal 3) Mr. Semi Dranibaka 4) Mr. Ilaisa Tulele 5) Ms. Deborah Sue Permanent Secretary Conservator of Forest Director Research & Development Programme Team Leader Fiji REDD + Director Forest Resource Assessment and Conservation 6) Mr. Mohammed Shorab Forestry Officer (GIS) 7) Ms. Olivia Vakaloloma Principal Economic Planning Officer Office of the Auditor-General 1) Mr. Kuruwara Tunisalevu 2) Mr. Lote Naicavu - - Director Auditor MR. CHAIRMAN.- I welcome all Honourable Members of the Public Accounts Committee (The Committee) and the general public, who are watching from the comfort of their homes, to today’s inquiry on the Performance Audit Report on the Follow-up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 (Parliamentary Paper # 153 of 2019).
I take this opportunity to welcome the Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Forestry (The Ministry) and his team.

We also acknowledge the presence of auditors from the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG).

This special inquiry on the Follow-up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 was established by resolution of Parliament when it was referred to the Committee on Friday 22nd November, 2019.
It is part of the Committee’s responsibility to gather information from the relevant stakeholders regarding the findings of the audit report.
The purpose of this inquiry is: 2 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 (1) To allow the witness to present and produce relevant documents, information in line with findings in the audit reports; (2) To allow Members of the Committee to ask specific questions related to the Ministry’s functions as far as this audit report is concerned; (3) To allow the witness to respond to questions raised by the Committee; and (4) To provide important information that will assist the Committee in the formulation of its report to Parliament, particularly on our findings with recommendations that would be debated on.
(Introduction of Committee Members and Secretariat Team).

I request the PS to please introduce members of his team before we proceed further.

Thank you.

(Introduction of Ministry of Forestry officials by PS) MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, PS.

With us, we have auditors from the OAG as well.

I request if they can introduce themselves, please.

AUDIT REP.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

I am Mr. Kuruwara Tunisalevu, the Director of Audit.

I am accompanied by our auditor, Mr. Lote Naicavu.

Thank you.
Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

For the information of the general public, watching us live, I would like to just provide a brief on the report before we go into the submission proper.

The Performance Audit Report on the Follow-up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 (Parliamentary Paper No.
153 of 2019) summarises the follow-up audit that was conducted to examine whether the Ministry of Forestry effectively implemented the recommendations which were made in the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007.

The audit conducted by the OAG assessed whether the actions taken, addressed the underlying issues that led to the formation of recommendations in the initial report.
The scope of the audit that was conducted by the OAG in its follow-up audit included a detailed review and analysis of work undertaken by the Ministry in addressing the initial audit report recommendations and were focussed under the following key areas: (1) Conservation of forests and biological resources; (2) Integrated forest resource management; and (3) Institutional framework and human resources.
3 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 For the information of all stakeholders, this is a follow-up audit.

Again, it focussed on those three key areas and the findings of the follow-up audit will be discussed in this session.

That was the brief on the report itself.

We will now give the floor to the Ministry because I believe there is a presentation.
After the presentation, Committee Members would be asking questions and then we will get the Ministry’s response.

Also, the Committee Members will ask supplementary questions through me.

All the answers that are provided in response to the questions are supposed to be done through the Chairman.

Please note we are live on television through the Walesi platform.

Also, through the Parliament’s website and Facebook pages.
Regarding confidential information that cannot be given out in public, you can do so in writing or privately to the Committee.

Thank you and the floor is yours.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity and for allowing us to present to you on PowerPoint.

What we have proposed to share with you is the kind of data and information that the Ministry collected over the years.
The Ministry is preparing to submit these to management for decision-making and policy decisions.

The reason for presenting through PowerPoint is because we feel that the visuals and the optics are much easier to understand than someone to explain.

We thought the PowerPoint will be very useful because the questions are also to do with resource management and sustainable forest management.
Honourable Members, what we have prepared for you, actually the map on the critical information that will be relevant to Fiji moving forward is not entirely from purely forestry perspective but from biodiversity perspective as well.

The map has been done by our Management Services Division.

I will ask my colleague, Mr. Mohammed to go to the menu.

We have got information on birdlife areas.

The big circles that you see in red, these are important bird life areas.
Bird life for forestry is part of biodiversity.

It is important for us as we try to manage our forest resources.

It is critical that we also consider all the factors that contribute to a healthy and a vital forest.

Bird life information is there.

We have got for you forest areas that are more than 800 metres in contours.

We have got forest reserves and we have got districts or areas where we are preparing to plant.

We have even got areas that we want to protect for perpetuity.
I will ask my colleague to just take us through the individual data sets.

Thank you.

4 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 MR. M.A.

SHORAB.- Thank you, PS and Honourable Chair.

The areas that you see on the map are currently all the areas that the Ministry is proposing to conserve.

These are areas where we are trying not to have harvesting done.
According to forestry law, we are trying to prevent harvesting being done in areas with more than 30 degrees slope.

All the information on key biodiversity areas, we are now giving this online web map to the Ministry’s directors and other relevant people to use it in decision- making.

We have also created 3D (three-dimensional) maps so that decision-making is easier.

In this 3D map, you will see areas with more than 30 degrees of slope, highlighted in red with transparency and having an outline of red.
This 3D map is for the whole of Fiji.

This is just for the 30-metre contour but likewise, we have other layers too which can be used for decision- making.

Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Do you mean harvesting of any plant in those red areas are not allowed, Sir?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- That is the way it should be because these are more than 30 degrees slope.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Is there any specific reason for that 30 degrees?

MS. S. LAL.- Thank you, Chair, Sir.


The Fiji Forest Harvesting Code of Practice is one of our guidelines.

It is a standard that we observe in all logging operations.

Harvesting beyond 30 degrees slopes will result in soil erosion, siltation and other problems so the guideline says that it should stay within 30 degrees slope.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Alright.


MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Honourable Chair, the proposal is that because there is so much information there and some of them, they relate directly to the questions that we have, we will invite the Honourable Members of the Committee, if you wish to ask any questions and you want us to show it on the map then we will be very happy to do so in the middle of our presentation.

Vinaka.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- I think we will go with this format.
You can do the presentation and if anything is left out at the end then we might just interject in-between if we need any clarification.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Would you prefer that I start with the responses now, Honourable Chair?

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes.

That is fine.

5 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you.
Honourable Members, we prepared a matrix which we had just submitted about one hour ago and we apologise for that.

Also, we made sure to include both the questions and the initial responses that the Ministry had submitted in earlier audits.

It is just for us to make sure that we are on the same page and that we are responding to the questions appropriately.

The first question is on land use planning and forest classification.
The first two columns are to do with the Ministry’s responses in 2019 and status assessment by the OAG.

The new question is highlighted in red.

Question 1: Could an update be provided on the status of the National Land Use Plan?

Honourable Chair and Members, I would like to advise that as we speak the Ministry is yet to develop a National Land Use Plan.

This is simply because developing a National Land Use Plan requires input from other stakeholders, from other agencies.
However, the Ministry has under the REDD+ Readiness Project started to develop land use plans for 20 districts identified under the Emission Reduction Programme to start from 2020 – 2025.

The Ministry is proposing that this work will be continued in collaboration with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) and other relevant agencies.
The land use plans of the 20 districts will cover about 451,360 hectares or 24.6 percent of Fiji’s total land area and we would like to inform the Committee that other agencies have actually started work on land use plans, in particular the iTLTB.

The iTLTB has completed the land use plans for the Lami - Suva corridors on Viti Levu.

They are working on the Western Division now.


Also, another agency that has done a very comprehensive land use plan is the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and this is work under the Pacific Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC) on the Taveuni Island land use plan.
The Ministry is proposing to work with these two agencies in particular among others like the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Environment to develop land use plans.

What the ministry has done, as I had mentioned earlier, is to try and work on the highly degraded areas around the country.

These are the areas where the Ministry intends to plant more trees.

Honourable Chair, that is the Ministry’s response to the first question.
With your approval, if there are no supplementary questions, can I move on to question two.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- A supplementary question, Honourable Radrodro.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, PS, for the comprehensive responses you have prepared.

Just a clarification.

This National Land Use Plan was part of the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 and since the last audit in 2014, I hope that you can clarify whether we are talking about the same plan that you are now responding to in 2019.
6 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 In 2014, the Ministry had stated that it was awaiting the Ministry of Economy to finalise this National Land Use Plan.

Is this the same plan again that is now being prepared with the involvement of the other stakeholders?
I am just trying to get a clear picture of whether this is the same National Land Use Plan that we are talking about.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- I will invite the Conservator of Forests to help us answer that.

MS. S. LAL.- Chair, if I may.

The Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 says the Forestry Department with the Ministry of Agriculture will develop and implement proper land use planning processes.
So, it was given to the Ministry of Agriculture to take over the Land Use Planning Division and the Forestry Department was one of the agencies because we have forests.

The land use plan being for mineral resources and agriculture, it is an inclusive management plan.

The Ministry of Forestry had to provide maps of forest areas just like what Mr. Mohammed Shorab presented today.

We did that and that is the one that went to the Ministry of Economy.
From the Ministry of Agriculture, it was moved to the Ministry of Economy and then from the Ministry of Economy, we mentioned in one of our previous consultations that we were not aware of where it was currently sitting but the Ministry of Forestry because it was part of our policy, we decided to take ownership of it and drive it through, not the top-down process but from bottom-up by doing district level maps and then coming up to the proper land use plan.

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Mr. Chairman, another supplementary question and probably the OAG can also inform the Committee.

When you prepared this Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007, did you have a timeline associated with the development of the National Land Use Plan?

Do you have a timeline as to when will you finalise this plan?

MS. S. LAL.- The Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 actually does not have a timeline so there was no timeline given to develop all these plans.
There are a lot of activities that we have and it is like a wish list for the Ministry.

It can take one year, it can take 10 years and it can even take up to 30 years but as you know, the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 preceded the Forest Act 1992.

We have it in process.

One of the questions is related, it is the Forest Bill, to actually fully implement the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007, we needed to have our Forest Act 2016 to be in place.
That is another reason why we have not been able to achieve a lot of things that we mentioned in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

A supplementary question, Honourable Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Thank you, Honourable Chair, through you.

Thank you, Madam Conservator and the PS.

I seek some clarification on this land use plan.


We have now heard again that it is still ongoing and the Committee fully understands the mammoth task that is involved because as alluded to by Madam Conservator of Forests a while ago that there is involvement of several ministries as well.
It is a multitask thing, given that it is 7 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 still ongoing but now they have done away with some legislations that it used to look after, like for agriculture.

You still got bad husbandry that used to be provided by the Ministry for Agriculture under the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA).
The Ministry of Forestry and NLTB (now iTLTB), they do the identification and all that.

Well, with ALTA not being there now, how have we progressed on this aspect of looking after these bad husbandry issues especially to do with your 30 degrees vertical inclination there.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair, through you.
We wanted to show you the kind of information that we have collected to date and for us when we have this kind of information, the next step for us is to share it with our other stakeholders so that we could get the land use plans done.
For forestry, you were absolutely correct, Sir, because it involves multi-stakeholders, the least the Ministry of Forestry could do is get the information on its areas of influence and that is what we are compiling until now so the very next step for us is to share with our other stakeholders.

Thank you.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Further to that, Honourable Chair.

Through you, again.

Thank you for the reply, PS.

If you could elucidate a bit more on that just to guide the Committee.
My question is kind of centred on, now that there is no longer ALTA, how do you wish to continue with this to ensure that it is part of the new land use policy that you have.

How do you police it and ensure that things are complied with under the legislation?

I really do not know what legislations you are going to be thinking of here in terms of … MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member.

I will invite Mr. Tulele to enlighten us on that.

MR.
MR.

I. TULELE.- Thank you, Honourable Chair and Honourable Member.

With what is being discussed, this is one of the wish lists that we have.

The Honourable Member will agree that we really do not have any jurisdictions on land use planning but now we are looking at not only managing forests.

We would like to really manage landscapes and land use.

The way the maps have been produced actually looks at landscapes and that is the best we can do.
The slopes that have been mentioned, the standards that are put in, like what the Conservator of Forests had mentioned too, is to prevent siltation.

Our main focus is water sources.

That is the whole reason why we are looking at landscapes.

From water sources will come life, will come forests, so to answer the question, we do not really have the jurisdiction.

That is probably the reason why we have not been able to progress the work that we stated in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007.
It was something that probably came out of some consultations that we had with line agencies like the iTLTB and the Department of Lands.

We were quite excited about having to put our issues forth because probably the Honourable Member will appreciate the difficulty that we have been having in trying to manage the forests.

As you know the land boundaries and the tenure system are beyond us.
We only look at the forests and what is on the land but when it comes to ownership and property rights, those are things beyond us.
Hopefully while we do this, we would be able to take in and invite all the 8 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 other sectors that come in to participate in this exercise, to also bring their issues so that it can be captured under landscape approach.

I think that is the best bet for Fiji moving forward, given the current situation we are under.
We only have about over 50 percent of our forest cover left so there are some really drastic steps to be taken if we are going to try and combat what we are facing right now.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes.

Honourable Member, a supplementary question.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- A supplementary question, Honourable Chair, through you.

Thank you, Mr. Tulele.

The concern that I am raising on behalf of the Committee has to do with this ongoing policy.
It is a very important policy because it is there, it links and interlinks with other legislations as well.

My concern is, there is no longer ALTA there, there is no longer the tribunal that seeks to kind of listen and adjudicate on issues where a certificate of bad husbandry is being provided by experts in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Do you feel that there is a need to have something like this in place, PS?
A mechanism in place to replace the tribunal so we could hear and adjudicate on issues of bad husbandry and all that.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Sir.

I would like to enlighten the Committee that despite the removal, as you say of some of those legislations, there still exists the relevant policies directly related to each of those agencies.
Also, there is a Natural Resources Committee and this is where the Ministry of Forestry is proposing to use, to share the information on forestry so that other stakeholders could add in their bits and ultimately we need to drive it towards having the National Land Use Plan.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Chair, just a supplementary question to the PS.

The answers that you provided highlighted land use plans of about 20 districts.

It will cover 451,360 hectares or 24.6 percent of Fiji’s total land area.
Would you be able to inform the Committee about the districts that you highlighted?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- We will share it through the map.

Thank you.

These are the areas highlighted in yellow, Honourable Chair.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Can you also advise whether this is in collaboration with the REDD+?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Absolutely, Honourable Member.

That is correct.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Could you just elaborate further on what is this REDD+ and how does it benefit the resource owners?
9 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you.

Honourable Chair, I will invite the programme team leader to do that.

Thank you.

MR.

I. TULELE.- Honourable Chairman, thank you.

I thank the Honourable Member for the question.

The REDD+ Programme began way back in 2009 where we were starting to develop our policies.
We came up to a status where we were ready to take on some of the REDD+ activities and we were given an observer status.

In April, the Fiji Government will be signing the Emissions Reductions Programme Agreement with the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility under the World Bank.

That work has culminated in that signing but the work started way back in 2009 where we started putting together our policies on the REDD+ activities.
Now the REDD+ activities, Honourable Chair, are basically just tree planting, better sustainable management of our forests and land resources.

The REDD+ acronym actually stands for Reduction of Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.
Now, the distinction between deforestation and degradation for the information of Honourable Members, deforestation is the complete removal of trees from an area while forest degradation is the reduction in the health of the forests through the removal of certain trees.

It still retains its forest look but the health has been degraded.

There are a lot of problems associated with the two at different extents.

The REDD+ is actually under the United Nations Climate Change Convention.
It has come up to a point now that globally they are willing, it probably started way back with the Kyoto Protocol in the 1990s but now they are willing to start recognising that there is a possibility to trade carbon.

Fiji is in a very good position.


Although we are not a big industrial country like the United States of America and China where production is at an alarming amount, the benefit we have is that we have already done a lot of work in the past that will enable us to establish sinks to take in these greenhouse gases which includes carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide.

Those are very toxic greenhouse gases.


This agreement that we will sign in April is actually with the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility.

It allows us to trade-in carbon and we have pledged that we will create carbon sinks to sequester about 2.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases.

There is a contract value that has been agreed upon and there is a contract period from 2020 to 2025.
The areas that you see on the map, these are the areas that have been designated under this agreement where work will be done, monitored and verified.

They will be verified and sent back for verification by the World Bank or the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility.

Once that is verified on the ground then it would be sent up and payments will be made.

There are compensation payments that are result-based.
If I may, just to explain the activities, like I said the activities are basically tree planting, so we are just planting trees in areas that are barren.

We will be protecting forests or forest reserves.

Also, we will be working with the Ministry of Agriculture to try and improve their agricultural systems that includes planting of trees.

For example, our cane belt areas.

One of the problems that we always encounter with cane belt areas are fires during harvesting seasons.
The reason being because 10 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 there are no actual firebreaks that can prevent or to work as firebreaks that prevents a fire transferring from one plantation to the next.

We are proposing as an example to put in trees, big leaf trees that can at least break the movement of a fire.

That is just an example.


There are other examples like beef cattle farming where there is no shade trees, where you can include shade trees or fodder trees.

These are some of the carbon establishment or carbon enhancement activities that we are proposing.

The key to this is that we have to plant enough trees that can be captured by the satellites.
Everything will be done by remote sensing from using the satellites but there will be field verification work done on the ground to actually verify the maps that we send up.

The remote sensing technology we have now, they can actually come down into your house so if you are saying that you have planted a certain number of trees that form a forest then it should be picked up and it should be verified on the ground.

There are other definitions but that would probably prolong the explanation.
I hope that the Honourable Member will get the gist of the explanation that I am providing.

Thank you.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Through you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Mr. Tulele.

Just a supplementary question.

You mentioned about the workings of the REDD+ to concentrate on protecting forests and forest reserves.

Did I hear that correctly?

Just on that listing that you have there.

What about water catchment reserves in Savura, Sovi Basin and Colo-i-Suva to name a few.
There are other similar catchments around Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Are they not included in your lists?

What are the plans for those particular areas?

MR.

I. TULELE.- The 20 sites that I am mentioning here are sites that we had pledged to the project, to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility but that does not prevent us from doing work over and above what we pledged.

We are only pledging 2.5 million tonnes.

Anything that we do over and above that can include Savura and all other areas.

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Is the monetary value associated with the pledge?

MR.

I. TULELE.- Yes.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- That is basically what I am trying to get at.

MR.

I. TULELE.- The contract value that we have agreed with the World Bank is US$5 per tonne.

For the 2.5 million tonnes that we are proposing to sequester will amount to about US$12.5 million.

If we do that over the five-year period, there will be three verification periods done within those five years.
If over the five-year period we sequester or we prepare or we establish carbon sinks more than 2.5 million tonnes, we will be compensated for that.

There is also an amount that we have agreed but all these details are being finalised and once we sign off on the agreement then I think we can confirm the contracted figures.
11 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Is there a possibility that these three areas that I have highlighted, Savura, Sovi Basin and Colo-i-Suva Park would be included in your listing?

MR.

I. TULELE.- Yes, that and any other area.


The 20 areas identified are where the most marginalised communities reside in and they are the ones that are most threatened by deforestation and forest degradation.

They live in amongst the forests.

We want to help them have an alternative source of livelihood so that they do not continue to harvest and these areas are very susceptible too to some other problems that we are encountering now.
If we can establish that on the 20 sites, hopefully it will resonate nationwide.

Regarding the issue of land use planning that we were initially talking about, it is something that we would like to do in these 20 areas so that it can be accepted nationally.

I must make this note that land use planning is also being done at village and district levels.
Although I do not know if it is formally accepted but it is something that they accept as the way going forward for them to be able to manage their resources better, hopefully through this programme.

We were quite excited about this REDD+ Programme because it is actually going to help us with some concept.

Since I started way back in 1992, we have been grappling with sustainable forest management.
It has been very difficult for us to try bring it down and anchor it on the ground but now because we have an alternative source of generating income and then there is external funding that will come through, that would be an opportunity for us to try and promote this.

We can promote land use planning, we can promote good husbandry for the agricultural areas and we can promote our sustainable forest management.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

Honourable Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.


LALABALAVU.- Chair, through you.

Thank you for that well- detailed reply, Mr. Tulele.

First of all, I might declare my interest on seeing Taveuni there.

This is an interesting case, Honourable Chair.

I raised this with the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) yesterday and we ended up having a talk on the sideline here, myself and the CEO.

But again, the Taveuni one, you already have it, Mr. Tulele.
You have a lease there, covering the whole and it is to do with protection ever since the lease was given.

The landowners, one way or another are affected by it as well.
So, following on the question raised by Honourable Radrodro, my question on this Taveuni one is, here you have a part of your lease being taken over by the hydro scheme there, a higher return usage, technically I do not know, the catchment area will be as you have indicated, that is another kind of forest management but the specific use for which it was given to the government by way of a lease, by the landowners has changed hands.
It is now being taken over as a water catchment area for the hydro scheme, a higher return, very high return investment made by government on this particular protection forest area.

How do you explain this in terms of having areas that are 12 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 already with you and yet you allow it for a higher use?
It comes back to the question that was raised by Honourable Radrodro about the return to the resources owners especially on page eight of the performance audit here that 80 percent of all forest lands are within iTaukei land.

That is the question that I would like to raise.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

MR.

I. TULELE.- Honourable Chair, yes.

Taveuni is a very special case, Honourable Member.

I was told just yesterday that it has been leased.


In my former work life when I was managing the Global Environment Facility – Pacific Alliance for Sustainability (GEF – PAS) Project, this was one of the project sites, an area quite unique because of its biodiversity significance.

The other unique thing about it is that it is the life for the entire island.

If something was to happen to this area, the worst-case scenario would be a total breakdown of the whole island structure.
As a result we would probably need to relocate a lot.

There will be a lot relocation done.

That is why the reason, going back in 1914, this was one of the first areas to be declared a reserve under the forest ordinances back then.

The management has transferred and we have inherited that but when the Honourable Member says that it was leased, I am a bit uncertain mainly because if the Forestry Department had a legal lease then another lease would not be issued over that.
That is the way I am looking at it.

One of the problems that we have been encountering with this area is the encroachment of the local farmers into the reserves.

If you go up to the area, you will note that based on the last survey in 2015, about 122 hectares of area within the reserves have been found with taro.

We were talking with the iTLTB back then and they said that it was still being declared.

There was no formal lease issued over it so that is the area that is a bit grave to us right now.
But to get back to answer the question, the reason why we have designated this area as one of the sites, is because of the fragility of that island.

We would like to have a formal lease placed over it, with proper management plan developed with the communities that can co-manage the area.

That is the whole the idea behind management plan.

With the EFL sitting on one portion of it, we did a survey way back in 2015 when this was happening.

The key is that the integrity of the forest is still intact.
They are just sieving off the water that runs off from there but there is a possibility and I think that the people of the chiefly island of Taveuni are quite blessed because now they can have two sources of income.

The issue is a matter of consultation and discussion where they can coexist.
They can use it because we understand that over there, it is probably the only source of electricity for the island, given the high cost of diesel for running the generators, so it is the matter of discussion and consultation.

The best-case scenario is to have EFL lease the entire island because the forest would be their source of water energy and then you could still trade.

That would be the way forward, Honourable Member.

HON.

RATU N.T.
HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- But again, the concern that we have, Chair, through you, is that we had issues.

We are being paid an annual sum and I do not know what you want to call it.

Is it an annuity through a lease?


You have a legal contract there, we have 13 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 the blue line as you have indicated, there has been some encroachment and the traditional leaders have been approached by the officials for us to ensure that we protect this.

But again, when it comes to these high hills, that is the issue here.
We have given it with lots and lots of good understanding as this protects the island, given the altitude and the topography of the island.

If we are not careful, all the fertile land will be out there in the sea in a very short while.
But again, when you change the use and I am specifically, Honourable Chair, asking the PS here, because they hold a lease here and I am surprised that Mr. Tulele, he was my working colleague in the Northern Division at one time, knows this place that they do not have a proper lease or something.

Again, the only issue I had is the change of views.

We are glad that hydro is there, we are getting lease monies but a fair return.

The Constitution was amended last year or the year before.

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- In 2013.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- In 2013, to put in this particular thing of fair share of returns that should go back to the landowners.

That is the point that I am kind of driving at here.

I am sorry about that.

If you cannot provide an answer, I hope they take note of that.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you.

Honourable Chair, if I may.

I propose that we take note of the comments.


Fair returns are something that the Ministry of Forestry is also trying to look into and we hope that we will be able to enlighten the Committee at a later stage when information comes to hand.

Vinaka.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- A supplementary question regarding this to probably give closure to the question that we have on land use plans.
Can the Ministry of Forestry give us a timeline as to when it wishes to complete these land use plans stated in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007?

I do not see a timeline here.

Will this remain like this or will it still be in the pipeline or will it come to a proper document at some time in the future?

MS. S. LAL.- Chair, if I may.

I think this issue has been discussed over the years so many times.
I think it is good to get it right now so that we can move forward according to the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007.

This is the document that is raising so much controversy on the land use plans.

This policy talks about the land use plans not for the whole of Fiji and not for agriculture land.

It talks about preparing land use plans at national, provincial and district levels.
The Government will identify areas of land which are best- suited for long-term, high value forest production, so the maps that you see, which are the areas that are good for forest production, good for afforestation, which are the degraded areas, the REDD+ areas and land rehabilitation.

Also, forest protection and conservation, so as mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Sovi Basin and other water catchments, those are high value conservation areas.
14 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 Basically, the Ministry of Forestry is tasked to produce land use plans on how we manage these forested areas and the areas that already had forests before but are degraded now because agriculture has its own classes, it has its own land use classes but this is just what we will be requiring, so in future if there are other questions then we can produce an improvement on this and say that these are the areas that have been classified as commercial forest areas.
These are the areas that are classified as protection forest, so basically that is what these land use plans will be all about.

As far as timelines are concerned, this year we will be doing our National Forests Inventory.

There is another question based on that and once we know what we have then we will be able to proceed.

I cannot commit myself and say that this will be the timeline but it may take a few years to get that right.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.


Considering the time now, we shall move forward.

I believe we have around 24 questions to go.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

The next question is about awareness programme.


Question 2 - How is the Ministry doing in terms of providing landowner awareness and also getting the resource owners to provide meaningful contribution to land use planning and forest certification in the absence of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nature Fiji Mareqeti Viti (NFMV) and the Ministry?

Are there incentives involved?


Our response is that the Ministry’s extension and training division has been undertaking awareness as part of its core responsibilities.

Apart from face-to-face awareness and consultations in the communities, the media is also widely used to promote and advocate awareness on the work of the Ministry and as you may have heard over the media, the Government through the Ministry is coordinating the planting of 30 million trees in 15 years.
This is an example of the Ministry’s effective outreach and some examples of meaningful contribution from landowners are prevalent in the Ridge to Reef (R2R) Project.

This is another programme that the Ministry is implementing with other stakeholders.

The Reforestation of Degraded Forests (RDF), Sandalwood Project and REDD+, all involve incentives in the form of some cash for work.

We pay people to do some planting and assist with alternative livelihood sources.
Last week we opened a shrimp pond in Rewa as an alternative to harvesting mangroves.

Training, capacity building as well as village development projects, so these are some of the incentives that are involved.

Another question within the same topic.

Are there measurable targets in place to undertake this?

The response is yes.


Measureable targets include the number of trees that are being planted, the areas of degraded forests that are reforested, the number of communities consulted and the responses from the communities which are widely broadcasted through social media as well.

15 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 There is a further question.
Can the Ministry provide an update on the status of the NFMV and other stakeholders awareness?

I am happy to inform the Committee that the Ministry works closely not only with NFMV but with many other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the conservation and the environmental areas such as Conservation International (CI), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), National Trust of Fiji, the Soqosoqo Vakamarama and Grace Trifam Ministry.
These agencies promote conservation and biodiversity enhancement in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry.

They are also part of the protected areas committee which is chaired by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forestry is a member of that committee.

All conservation efforts are addressed though this committee.

Honourable Chair, the latest development is that the Ministry has got draft MOUs with NFMV, CI, WCS and IUCN.
These are ready for the consultation phase before we submit it to Cabinet for approval.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Nand.

HON.

J.N.

NAND.- Thank you, Honourable Chair, Sir, through you.

How much progress have we made so far with regards to the tree planting initiative?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you for that question.

Honourable Chair, the million tree planting is not entirely new to Fiji.

The Government had accomplished the million tree planting in 2013.
Prior to that it had done pine and mahogany plantations.

The hive goes off to Fiji Pine and Fiji Mahogany Company Limited, so this is actually a renewed effort to tree planting.

I am happy to advise that last year, His Excellency, The President launched what was initially the four million trees in four years programme.
Within 10 months of that launch in January, by October, the coordination done by the Ministry and members of the communities, basically people from all walks of life including visitors alike, planted one million trees in 10 months.

It was a massive achievement but importantly because of the work of the REDD+ as we had shown you, we have identified about 40,000 hectares of highly-degraded areas.
The Ministry has informed the Government that these areas based on the calculations of the type of trees to be planted, we could plant about 30 million trees in these areas.

That is the new target for us and that has started already.

I am also happy to advise that since January to date we have planted over 200,000 trees.

We are on track to meet the target of two million trees by the end of this year.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Prakash.


16 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 HON.

V. PRAKASH.- Through you, Chair.

Indeed, we are very proud to hear about your reforestation programme and planting of trees.
Could you explain what varieties of trees you are concentrating on in your first year and what are the other ideas that you are trying to put into our country so that those trees will be beneficial to our future generation?

Thank you, Chair.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member and Honourable Chair.

Last year we planted one million trees, 80 percent of those were commercial species like pine, mahogany, teak and sandalwood.
It was done for very obvious reasons because we need to help grow the economy.

That was the kind of decision that was put into the types of trees.

The other 20 percent included indigenous native species but this model, this formula is not set in stone.

In fact, the Ministry would prefer to plant a lot more indigenous species that is endemic to Fiji and unique too to Fiji, so we have those kinds of approaches right now.
We know that we have to grow trees and protect forests to enhance biodiversity and address climate change.

We also have to address socio-economic growth, so that is the kind of approach that we have.

As we move we will try to continue to review and see the type of trees, the species that should be planted.

HON.

V. PRAKASH.- A supplementary question on the same line.

We are in fact very proud to see that you are concentrating also on indigenous and endemic trees.
Are you considering having nurseries in the rural sector where people could be taught on how they could maintain these nurseries?

I think history tells us there are people who are very well- versed with those indigenous endemic plants and so far, we know that all the nurseries controlled by your Ministry are normally in urban areas.
My concern is whether you are considering to put these nurseries into places where rural dwellers could be taught the art of trying to produce seedlings and also to replant them?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

Honourable Member that is a very good question to us.

In fact, the act of tree planting, the view is that it is not to be done by the Government alone.
We need active involvement of the communities, so engaging the communities to have their own nurseries is part and parcel of the thrust of this tree planting initiative.

I will invite the Conservator of Forests to add on to this but in brief the answer is yes.

We would like to encourage a lot more communities to establish nurseries.

The Ministry is positioning itself to help these communities by teaching them how to develop nurseries and look after the plants.
Actually build the nurseries for them as well and eventually the ultimate goal is to facilitate economic empowerment for the communities so when the seedlings are ready, the Ministry is preparing itself to buy those seedlings.

That is the kind of arrangement that is already taking place but we would like to do more.
We have established more than 100 17 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 community nurseries and we look forward to establishing many more.

Also, to include youths and women groups as part of community outreach.

I will now invite the Conservator of Forests to talk to us about the species.
You were right about the kinds of species that we need to raise in the nurseries.

MS. S. LAL.- Chair, Sir, if I may.

With this initiative of 30 million trees in 15 years, we realise the humongous task of trying to source seedlings so what we did was, we worked closely with communities.

We have done capacity building.

We have given them some resources like sarlon shade cloth.

Also, we have provided them with soil mixes in some cases and structure for the nurseries.
There are over 100 community nurseries now and we are actually buying seedlings from them to plant on their land or other lands.

We have encouraged the business community to go to these communities and buy seedlings from them for their corporate social responsibility.

Under the Fiji R2R Project, I have the executive director here, he can explain more on how the Fiji R2R Project has actually worked with communities.

How communities have benefited?


Also, I would like to mention that most of these community nurseries are run by women because they are the ones who stay home.

Rewa is a very good example.

We have the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) Project in Rewa where we are assisting six communities and have built six nurseries.

This is an alternative livelihood for them too.

Whenever we need to go and plant, we use seedlings from Rewa to plant in Naitasiri and Tailevu areas.
That is the amount of capacity building we have done.

Mostly these community nurseries grow native seedlings, indigenous trees and those that are already on their land.

For instance, Rewa has got ivi.

They are providing us a lot of ivi seedlings because they have it in abundance and we also get fruit trees from communities.

The species likes mahogany, pine and teak, we are sourcing it from commercial companies because we need that in large scale.
It is for development purposes, it is like our future industries and there is a lot of demand by landowners to have these species planted on their lands.

The R2R Project has greatly assisted communities and I will let Mr. Semi explain to that effect.

MR. S. DRANIBAKA.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

In addition to what the Conservator of Forests mentioned, under the R2R Project we identified areas in Vanua Levu, the Western Division and the Central Division.
We have mostly concentrated on water catchment areas.

Also, engaging communities in those areas to raise seedlings and work with them in terms of replanting.

Apart from that we encourage them to collect seeds, to be able to get seeds, we go and procure from them, encourage them to protect most of the seeds.

Thank you.

HON.

V. PRAKASH.- Another supplementary question.


Suppose if a group of rural dwellers or landowners are interested to have their own nurseries and they need to work with your Ministry for the future development of the trees that we very much need.

How would you allow them to approach the Ministry or you?

It can be through awareness or can they come, perhaps write to you so that you can accommodate those wishes of the people who are especially in the rural areas.
18 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member.

Honourable Chair, that is the expectation.

The Ministry will be ready to work with any community that wants to be a part of the tree planting initiative.

As we mentioned earlier, we are willing to teach them, help build their nurseries and even monitor.
We want to set the standards for nurseries and we want to certify these nurseries, so there is a formal process.

That is the kind of work that the Ministry would like to do with the communities.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

Honourable Lalabalavu, you had a supplementary question.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Yes.

Thank you, Honourable Chair, through you.

Maybe I am jumping the gun here but it is to do with parks.
You did explain a bit on the role of NFMV, they have been doing a great work, PS but again, they have taken us on two-horse to Sovi Basin areas and all that.

That is all but it does not stop people from unscrupulously harvesting the very thing that you have mentioned, the flora and the wild life we have up on the hills in Taveuni because when it is graduation time, that is when tagimoucia flowers.
You would be surprised, PS and Honourable Chair, they find tagimoucia salulsalu here in graduation ceremonies right throughout, even right to the west and interestingly you see people with gumboots going right up to the hill to hack down the trees without giving any thought to these creepers, this flower, so in your plans on this together with the Sovi Basin and then coming into fruition of the parks because right now we cannot stop people from accessing the forest, very soon the wild life will take off from there as well and we cannot stop them.
The NFMV has been doing a great job in terms of awareness and that is all but we would like to police this, beginning from the Bouma side down to Somosomo side.

Interestingly we cannot stop them, we do not have the legal powers to do that.

We could stop them as landowners but some of the landowners get paid-off especially when it comes to the harvesting of this very important flower.
How does the Committee look at this in terms of having parks, this legislation of parks to come in as part of your land use policy or another new legislation to kick in, so at least you have park rangers there that are legally empowered to police certain areas especially in the protection of flora and fauna?

Thank you, Honourable Chairman.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member.


Honourable Chair, establishing parks and of course, looking for resources to manage the parks are also part of the Ministry’s plans moving forward.

You are right about NFMV.

In fact, we believe that a lot of these CSOs have been doing a lot of good work and what we wanted to do is to reach out to them to form these partnerships.

Then together, we now need to look for resources as well, the resources that will enable us to better manage these parks.
The Ministry has as part of its plans the thinking that we should establish a lot more rainforest parks.

They provide alternative livelihoods and if we do that, we will definitely have 19 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 the resources to manage those parks and reduce illegal activities.
Reducing illegal activities are some of the challenges that the Ministry faces and I am sure other agencies face too.

The Ministry can do what is immediately within its control and I am happy to share with the Committee that the Ministry has dedicated about 60 percent of all its resources for this financial year towards doing two things.

These include leading and coordinating the tree planting programme, also effectively implementing the regulatory role that is under the Forest Act.
That is something that we are continuing to do to improve and we are seeing some improvements in this area but it does not take away the fact that we need to collaborate with a lot more organisations, not just the Ministry.

Thank you, Honourable Member.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALVU.- Honourable Chair, through you.

The issue of having parks as an umbrella law looking after these protected areas and then it allows setting up of forest guards to operate there legally and collect funds.
For people to utilise the facilities out there, that will not eventuate very soon.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- On the contrary, Honourable Member, we have one already operating at Colo-i-Suva and that is working quite well.

We want to replicate that quite quickly around the country.

I will invite my colleague Ms. Deborah Sue, she is the director responsible for the management of these forest reserves and the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, just to talk to us a bit about the plans.
MS. D. SUE.- Thank you, PS and Mr. Chairman.

For our parks, we are developing them.

A lot of it is also based on forest appreciation, awareness of their resource and it takes quite some time to change attitudes but we are working with CSOs and line Ministries for that.

We envisage having layers of benefits.

For example, we secure the land with a conservation lease and then we are having payments for ecosystem services of which carbon sequestration is one.
We are still developing the systems for other ecosystem services.

For example, for water which a lot of us take for granted.

You mentioned Savura as an example.

That is under the management of the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and for the last three years, they have been paying $120,000 for that Savura lease.

We have a Savura lease as well on the other side of the valley.
We are going to review those leases including the Colo-i-Suva lease and all other leases that we have but we look forward to expanding those areas.

Also with the key biodiversity areas that we had up earlier including the important bird areas and other conservation areas, the CSOs, so that we keep our forests and have them because it is in the native forests where the carbon is best kept.

It is the best source for carbon that we already have, so we are looking now for layers of benefits.
It may not be always in cash but also for example, we see that for diseases like COVID-19, having this best diversity, biodiversity areas is protection against those diseases as well.

It takes time to develop these and also it comes, sometimes people are only convinced when they go through the bad experience.
We have been talking about sustainable forest 20 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 management for 20 years.

Now they are starting to realise that we really need that.

Yes, we will jump on board with you.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- This particular issue is the absence of MOU with the NFMV.

Has the Ministry been able to have an MOU with this institution?
MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member.

Honourable Chair, the NFMV has just recently confirmed that they would like to proceed with the MOU.

We have not done that in the past but we are working with them on that draft now and we have got drafts for the others too.

Example, the CI and the IOCN.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Chair, maybe the OAG can be asked to do a follow-up audit on whether this is now being confirmed after this audit, the MOU with the NFMV.
MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Do you think that the NFMV will now open its office again in Taveuni?

Since you do not have a MOU, the NFMV has shut down its office and left.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Honourable Member, I think it is to do with resources, with funding but I would like to think that when we have the MOU, we will together work towards seeking the resources and that is the next step for us.

We will have to look for resources.


MR. CHAIRMAN.- There will be another follow-up audit on this.

MS. D. SUE.- Yes, even without the MOU, we are working with them.

We have just put in a proposal for Germany for Internationale Klimaschutzinitiative (IKI) funding for next year to demarcate the boundary with the assistance of the landowners or resource owners and to paint in the blue line.
As well in forestry, we have just started up drone programme and we also planned to get a much bigger drone to fly over the whole area so we can see much more clearly the areas that have been encroached from human sides, also from weeds, so we can better plan.

The COVID-19 has come in very inconveniently for us.
The Government resources have gone to that at the moment, so we have to postpone our plans for the big drone but we do have those in place and we very much look forward to formalising the agreement with the NFMV.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Chair, I suggest maybe the OAG can do a follow-up audit around this because there is a need to have a MOU with the NFMV.

Also, because of the different stakeholders involved.
If you do not have a MOU with the NFMV, you would not be dictating to them on what awareness programmes it would undertaking in terms of stakeholders, whether NFMV is doing what you want it to do or whether it is overdoing or 21 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 underdoing what the Ministry wants it to be doing in terms of awareness programmes to stakeholders.
I think the need for a follow-up audit to ensure that there is a MOU because initially there was no MOU as has been highlighted.

Also, because the NFMV has its own restrictions and own reasons about why it does not want to have a MOU, so maybe that is something that the OAG can do a follow-up audit on.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Honourable Chair, we are equally excited about the establishment of a MOU.
As we mentioned, previously there were no drafts even with other CSOs and now we have progressed it to draft MOUs.

We are going to take the same approach with the NFMV.

Vinaka vakalevu.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Maybe what we can do if a follow-up audit would take some time, the Ministry can come back to us by June this year with an update on what is happening with regards to MOU and then another update by December this year to actually inform the Committee.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Consider it done, Honourable Chair.
MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes.

Thank you.

We will move forward.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Honourable Chair, next question is on forest inventory.

Question 3 - Can the Ministry update the Committee on the status of the 2005 National Forest Inventory (NFI) and also when will the reports be made available on the website or publicly through other means?

The Ministry’s response is that it is engaging a consultant to complete the NFI Report which will be published this year.
We will, of course, use all the media platforms to promote the results.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Chair, just a supplementary question to the PS.

We noted that there were three-inventory undertaken at the Ministry in 1969, 1992 and 2005.

We have yet to see a copy of those.

Will the Ministry also put that on the respective websites?
MR. P. BALEINABULI.- The response, Honourable Chair, is that we have the results of the first inventory and that is currently available on hardcopy but we will now make the effort to see if we can post it up on the website.

The Ministry is working on the results of the 2005 NFI and that is the report that we will complete this year.

We will have it published.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.


22 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

We will move forward on establishment of procedures I believe.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you.

Question 4 - Can the Ministry confirm if Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been developed for NFI?

The response is yes.


A SOP for the NFI exists and a copy of which is attached as part of the evidence.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

The next question is on mangrove management.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Question 5 - What steps has the Ministry taken to formalise the ban on commercial harvesting of mangroves?

The response is that the Ministry has implemented the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 insofar as the mangrove management is concerned.
All commercial harvesting of mangroves have ceased since 2014 upon the directive and request from the Ministry of Lands which manages foreshore lands on behalf of the Government.

The Ministry of Forestry no longer issues any licences for harvesting mangroves.

The Ministry will now formalise the ban in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands.

There is a second question.

Does the Ministry provide licence to harvest mangroves to various vendors and what is the procedure?
Additionally, the Ministry in partnership with other agencies has been developing alternative livelihoods because we are not issuing licences, so the alternative livelihoods for communities close to mangrove forests.

This particular project is funded by the ITTO.

It is an active member of the mangrove management committee with the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Fisheries and all CSOs.
The alternative livelihoods are meant to ensure that people reduced their reliance on mangroves and that will allow the mangroves to grow but going back to the initial question, the Ministry is no longer issuing licences for mangrove harvesting.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, PS, for those answers.

I believe the next part is on integrated forest resource management.

There is a question on management plans.


MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Question 6 - Can the Ministry provide an update on the development of forest management plans for forest resource owners such as the Bouma Forest Park, Colo-i-Suva Park and other parks including the Sovi Basin?

In collaboration with the CSOs, management plans have been developed for the following:  For the Bouma Forest Park, the Ministry collaborated with the National Trust of Fiji.
A copy of the management plan is attached;  For the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, this is work in progress by the Ministry.

We look forward to completing that soon; and 23 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020  For Sovi Basin, the Ministry worked with the CI and the National Trust of Fiji.

Again, management plan is attached.

There is a supplementary question.


Do they take into account the requirements of the Environment Management Act (EMA) 2005 in the plans?

Honourable Chair, the answer is yes.

All management plans adopt provisions of the EMA 2005.

A third question.

Has the Ministry finalised the mangrove management plan with the Ministry of Lands through the Conservator of Forests?

The response is that the Ministry made its contribution through the submission of information and maps to the mangrove management committee.
The Ministry will follow-up with the Ministry of Lands on the progress of mangrove management committee.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, PS.

I believe question seven would be on strategic harvesting plans.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you.


Question 7 - Will there be any amendments to the requirements of the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 to reduce the period of time required for strategic harvesting plans to be less than two years given that Table 2 of the report for the forest harvesting plan for woodlots submitted to the Ministry indicated that most harvesting activities are done within two to 12 months?
The response is that the Ministry is already accommodating this by verifying the volume of forest resources in any particular woodlot which subsequently determines the duration of licence issued.

The 1992 Forest Act, Section 11 in particular has provisions for duration of licences to be determined based on the forest resources available and the post-harvest land use.
The duration, Honourable Chair and Honourable Members, for issuing of licences can be up to 30 years, so additionally the Ministry of Forestry is working on creating a supportive forestry governance to enable forest management which includes the strategic harvesting plan.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

We will move forward to forest management system now.
MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Question 8 - How has the Ministry progressed in terms of consultation with stakeholders regarding the review of the Diameter Limit Table (DLT)?

The Ministry of Forestry had clarified in its response to this recommendation that it is fully implementing the DLT legislated under the Native Land Trust Act, 1985 as it is currently the only legal DLT available for enforcement by the Ministry.
The response is that the Ministry in collaboration with the German Technical Cooperation or Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is developing 24 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 an implementation guideline aligned to the legislated DLT under the Native Land Forest Regulations 1985.
The implementation guideline has been field-tested and will be ready for implementation this year, Honourable Chair and Honourable Members.

Additionally, the Ministry is currently consulting the industry on this revised version of the DLT and the consultation work programme is attached as evidence.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, PS.

I believe we have moved to question nine.

We will just change the format a bit now.


I will give Honourable Members the opportunity to ask the questions and you can respond.

The next section is on plantations and we will request Honourable Nand to ask the question.

HON.

J.N.

NAND.- Thank you, Honourable Chair, through you.

The Ministry of Forestry further clarified in its response to this recommendation that it has included the development of forest management plans in its August, 2019 – July, 2020 operational plan.
Furthermore, the Fiji Pine Limited and the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited have its own 10-year annual plantation forest management plans.

Question 9 - Can the Ministry provide an update on the status of the forest management plans to cover the whole of Fiji’s forest and plantation areas?

A supplementary question.

Can the Ministry further advise whether the forest management plan includes the management and protection of the remnant natural forests in plantation areas?

Thank you, Honourable Chair.


MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair and Honourable Member.

The Ministry has collated data as a first step and will now proceed towards developing management plans for Taveuni and Colo-i-Suva.

The Fiji Pine Limited and the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited have its own plantation management plans and the management plans highlighted in the operation plan for 2019-2020 are for conservation and protected areas.
The Ministry has started to develop the management plans for Taveuni and Colo-i-Suva in collaboration with relevant CSOs.

The development of such a plan will address the Permanent Forest Estate (PFE) initiatives that the Ministry is working on.

We have provided evidence in the form of our operation plan 2019-2020.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, PS.

Next is establishment of a steering committee.


Question 10 - Is there any reason why the steering committee is not able to meet regularly given the requirements under the TOR?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you.

Honourable Chair, with the new appointment of a monitoring officer who will form the secretariat of the committee, the Ministry will this year convene committee meetings with relevant stakeholders to help enforce the FFHCOP.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.


Next section is on development, endorsement and review of the Fiji Forest Certification Standard (FFCS).

We will ask Honourable Prakash to ask the question please.

25 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 HON.

V. PRAKASH.- Chair, through you.


Question 11 - Can the Ministry explain on the progress of FFCS and when can this be finalised for Cabinet endorsement?

Can you advise on the delay surrounding the formulation of FFCS?

Thank you, Chair.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

The response is that the Fiji Pine Limited was actually certified in 2016.

That is something that we can see as completed and this was through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
The Ministry is assisting the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited with its certification process.

The focus is on certification of plantation forests because they are managed forests but importantly also because of the need to secure markets that now demand certified products.
The Ministry has a draft national certification standard for natural forests and will continue to improve on this through alignment to the international standards through the Forest Certification Council (FCC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

We have provided the evidence of the Fiji National Forest Certification.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- PS, next is the charging of fees for processing and monitoring of licence.
Question 12 - Can the Ministry provide an update on the progress of the fees structure provided to the Ministry of Economy?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

The Ministry is reviewing the fees structure that was initially submitted to Ministry of Economy and will make fresh submissions this year.

The revised structure is attached as evidence.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Next section is log scaling.


Question 13 - Can the Ministry provide a copy of the finalised log scaling rule and also update on why there was a delay?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

A copy of the current log scaling rule is attached and is being used during harvesting operations.

The lot scaling rule will be incorporated into the harvesting regulations which is currently under development.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.


Next section is environmental standards in forest management and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).

We will ask Honourable Aseri Radrodro to ask this question.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Chair.

My question, PS, is related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How the Ministry is making itself aware of the SDGs and the monitoring of development goals within the Ministry in terms of your compliance and monitoring levels?

I think this is on Question 25.


The issue here is regarding the monitoring part.

We had instances in the past whereby trees had been logged or fell.

For instance, at the 26 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 Adi Cakobau School (ACS), the consequences of those felling.
You have mentioned that the Ministry is making sure that all the licences are EIA-approved.

Can you just elaborate on how well is your monitoring in terms of SDGs and ensuring that all the Ministry staff are aware of the different roles they play to ensure that SDGs are achieved in terms of the Ministry’s target?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member.

The Ministry developed its strategic development plans for 2017 and 2030.

These have been launched.


The plans encompass Fiji’s 5-year and 20-year National Development Plan (NDP) including alignment to the 2030 Agenda for SDGs and the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway including the United Nations Forum on Forest Strategic Goals which are also related to the SDGs.
The initiatives in the plans are implemented annually and this is through the Ministry’s annual operation plan where each staff is given a copy and their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are actually aligned to their deliverables.

The staff are made aware of their deliverables as part of the plans through their unit plans and individual work plans, so that is essentially how we manage their performances now.

Thank you, Honourable Member.

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Can you update us on the felling of trees on that hill at ACS whether it followed the process that you have just highlighted?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair and Honourable Member.

To start off, the felling was actually at the request of the school and it was to do with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues.
Some of the trees were actually threatening the safety of the students and were just above their classrooms, so the Ministry complied, responded and issued logging licences for those things to happen.

I am happy to advise … HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- The school is part of your process that you have just highlighted whether proper EIA was undertaken on that or was it the safety issue.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- I will invite the Conservator of Forests to enlighten us.

MS. S. LAL.- Chair, if I may.


The issue at ACS, I believe it was highlighted in one of the newspapers.

As the PS mentioned, the request came from the school to clear those trees.

The process was to issue a licence based on an EIA as well.

Due to urgency as it was cyclone season, the school needed to have those trees removed because the branches were hanging over the dormitories, so the Ministry of Forestry issued a licence to a contractor to actually remove those trees.
The environment issue came up, we discussed with the Director Environment and the EIA process, normally a screening goes first, you need to do a screening whether that particular site requires an EIA or not.
The Ministry of Forestry did not follow it at that time because we were not aware of the provisions in EMA 2005 that even a small woodlot like the 27 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 mahogany at ACS required an EIA.

But later we did discuss with the Director Environment and we agreed that an EIA screening needed to be done.
We did that and that particular area did not require a full EIA because it was just removal of a few trees that was a hazard for students.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Chair, just a supplementary question.

Thank you for the information, Ms. Lal.

In terms of the monetary value, was there any monetary return since it was a request from the school.

Was there any monetary value associated with the felling, if it is, whether it goes to the school or goes to the consolidated account?
MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member.

The Honourable Member is very familiar with the system in Government.

The answer is yes.

There was monetary value and it was put into the consolidated account.

Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

Going back to Section 15, environmental standards in forest management and EIA.

An examination of the Fiji Forest Harvesting Code of Practice (FFHCOP) noted that it integrates the concept of the EIA.
To apply for a logging licence, applicants are required to get an EIA assessment done for logging areas from the Ministry of Environment.

Question 14 - Can the Ministry provide evidence of the awareness done since the year 2013 on the FFHCOP?

Who are the targeted audiences?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

Since 2013 the Ministry has trained 277 individuals on this FFHCOP.
The target audiences were largely logging contractors, resource owners, forest wardens and Ministry staff from all divisions.

The evidence is attached for your information, Honourable Chair.

The monitoring and training reports of forest wardens, FFHCOP awareness training course, the Forestry Training Centre, August 2016 to July 2017 Annual Report where we trained 26 people and the Fiji Training Centre 2015 Annual Report where we trained 224 but altogether there were 277 individuals trained since 2013.
Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you for elaborating on that, PS.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Chair, just a supplementary question on these trainings that were conducted by the Ministry.

I note that the trainings also included resource owners.

Can you just inform us if after the resource owners had undergone these trainings, were they able to get gainful employment status or how did they benefit from this training?
MS. S. LAL.- Honourable Member, these trainings that are provided to resource owners are a requirement from resource owners because they want to be employed by the contractors.

The contractors who log within their forest areas, those are the resource owners which are trained so they can be meaningfully employed as well as be aware of the environmental provisions that are required when logging.
28 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Is there a certification time period that they have to undergo after this training?

MS. S. LAL.- Yes, there are different levels.

There are three different levels of supervisor training.
There is chainsaw harvesting and also machine operator training, so it is up to the communities what they want to be trained on whether they want to be just chainsaw operators or do they want to be involved in supervising a harvesting operation.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Is the training done at your training school in Lololo, Lautoka or is it on site?

MS. S. LAL.- Sir, the training centre has been moved to Colo-i-Suva now.

We do not have a training centre in Lololo.

HON.

RATU N.T.
HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Alright, I am a bit out of date.

Sorry about that.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- If you need training, you do not have to go too far, Honourable Member.

Either way, we will move forward.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Chair, just a supplementary question.

Do they have to come back for retraining annually or is it just a one-off and that is it?

MS. S. LAL.- Sir, just on the question before that.
Training is provided on site in the villages as well because these are the areas where the work would be undertaken anyway and the retraining, we have not actually undertaken any but it is something that we can consider.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Do you have to come back and retrain annually for recertification of their knowledge and certificate or is one-off training enough for the rest of their forestry work?

MR. S. DRANIBAKA.- Thank you, Sir.

Chair, yes.


The trainings that are conducted, first we provide them with a certification that they completed the training.

Then they have to gain experience.

After that we do a skills test to certify them to be engaged in commercial harvesting.

That is when they become certified to be employed there.

Also, there are refresher courses where we invite the industry stakeholders.
Based on those certifications that we give them, they are able to operate in a commercial environment.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Are those certifications renewable or is it one-off?

29 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 MR. S. DRANIBAKA.- Usually it is for five years and renewed after five years.

MR.

I. TULELE.- Honourable Chair, if I may.


When we do the monitoring of harvesting operations, we have a monitoring template that subjectively monitors the performance of each operator.

If we see that operators are continuously not complying with the standards of FFHCOP, these operators are retrained as part of the requirements under FFHCOP.

That was just to help with the question.

Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.
HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- A supplementary question through you, Chair.

What about the agencies?

Are they part of these trainings for landowners like we used to do in the past?

Senior NLTB (now iTLTB) officers used to go and camp out there in the training centres to learn the detailed aspects of policing of FFHCOP.

Are they left out here or are they still a part of these landowner trainings?

MR.

I. TULELE.- Mr. Chairman, yes.

The trainings are open to all those that are part of the industry.
We have done a lot of trainings for iTLTB, the provincial offices including landowners on forest laws.

We did this under a project that I managed previously.

It is a training programme where we incorporated this into training on conservation of biodiversity.

Certain modules are there that can be applied to those agencies that wish to be involved in forest operations and it is something that we are about to accredit.
It is something that we would like to take through the Government machinery as part of the induction programmes that are done.

That is the way that we are trying to approach our education and training programmes so that everyone is aware of biodiversity, forest safety and forest operations.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

Honourable Radrodro.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- That means currently there is no MOU between the Ministry of Forestry and important stakeholders like iTLTB?
Is there any plan to have an MOU with those important agencies?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman, through you.

The issue of trainings, whilst the Ministry has been doing that for decades now, what it wants to do now is to review the effectiveness of those trainings.

I am happy to share with you that there is a new thinking that maybe the Ministry can continue to train at a very technical level subject to request from communities and agencies.
We would love them to have some awareness on what is happening in the forest and if they request we can provide that training.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

Moving on, non-wood forest products.

We will request Honourable Lalabalavu to ask Question 15.

30 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 HON.

RATU N.T.
RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Question 16 - Could the Ministry provide an update if board meetings were held, if meeting minutes were recorded and progress noted for the action plan if any?

Who are the members of the Forestry Board?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member and Chair.

The Forestry Board’s term expired in 2018.

Prior to that the minutes of the Forestry Board meetings and board papers are available for perusal.
In terms of board members, as per the 1992 Forest Act, these include:     The Conservator of Forests who shall be the chairperson; The Permanent Secretary for Primary Industries or representative; The Director of Town and Country Planning or representative; and Seven other persons appointed by the Minister for Forestry of whom:  One shall represent the Native Land Trust Board (iTLTB);  One shall be a member of the Land Conservation Board; and  Others being persons not holding any State office of emolument, shall represent landowners, forest owners, forest users, forest industry and the public interest.
I would like to update the Committee that the Ministry is now working towards reactivating the Forestry Board so that meetings could be held hopefully before the end of this year.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Moving on, the national forest programme.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- A supplementary question to that.

The OAG highlighted that there were several meetings of the board in the years 2014 and 2015 but there were no minutes.

Can we be advised whether the minutes were there or not?
MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair and Members.

I am advised that the minutes of those meetings are available and we can provide those for evidence.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, if it can be provided as evidence.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

Moving forward on the national forest programme.

We request Honourable Prakash to ask the question, please.
31 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 HON.

V. PRAKASH.- Chair, kindly allow me to ask Question 15 on non-wood forest products since it is quite important.

The audit noted that the management plan for non-wood products in the country is still yet to be developed.
The Ministry has clarified in its response to this recommendation that non-wood forest products were focused on bamboo and sandalwood with these being embedded in the Ministry’s strategic development plan and operational plan for 2019 to 2020.

What are other measures that the Ministry utilises in facilitating sustainable use of non-timber forest products apart from incorporating the use of non-wood forest products in its strategic development plan?

Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Chair.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair and Honourable Member.

Under the Ministry’s research on wood and non-wood products, it has completed two non- wood forest commodities which are bamboo and coconut.

The Ministry is currently developing a report on potential non-wood forest products through:      Classification.

Example: Food, medicine, fibres, biomass, resins and oils; Conservation; Management; Processing and marketing; and Community involvement and livelihood.
More work has been focussed on the planting of dilo (Calophyllum) and sikeci (candlenut) as well as sandalwood.

The conservation areas are set aside for naturally grown sandalwood as well as other species for conservation and natural regeneration.

The Ministry of Forestry is about to complete its sandalwood inventory to gauge the varieties and distribution nationwide.
I am happy to update the Committee that the Ministry recently received endorsement from Cabinet on the development of bamboo in Fiji and this includes the setting up of a National Bamboo Training Centre at the Ministry’s premises in Nasinu.

This will enhance potential uses of bamboos thus reducing pressures on our natural forests.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Member.

HON.

V. PRAKASH.- On the same issue, Chair.


Some of the introduced species like tulip and drala are commonly known in the country.

The spread of especially tulip is quite a large and it has overtaken our natural forests.

Do you have plans to try and address that issue?

It is very fast growing due to the seedlings which are able to go a far distance, blown by wind and it has become a real problem to many rural communities.

Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Chair.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair and Honourable Member.

I will invite the Conservator of Forests to respond to that.

32 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 MS. S. LAL.- Chair, through you.

Honourable Member, the Ministry of Forestry is actually working closely with Nabou Green Energy to try and utilise African tulips.
The concern with us is that these African tulips are actually growing in very vulnerable areas, watershed areas so we really do not want to go into those areas and remove them because it will have huge environmental implications but wherever we can, we are trying to manage African tulips.
We are also working with the Ministry of Agriculture which is doing some chemical controls in trying to get rid of African tulips that are on agricultural lands but from our side, it is just trying to remove it and use it as a bioenergy product.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.

Coming back on the National Forests Programme, we will request Honourable Nand to ask the question on that please.

HON.

J.N.

NAND.- Thank you, Honourable Chair, Sir, through you.
Question 17 - Can the Ministry of Forestry provide the latest National Forest Programme and how has the Ministry monitored the implementation of the recommendations made in the 2014 report?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Honourable Chair, we have a copy of the National Forest Programme and it had a lifespan from 2010 to 2012, however, the good news is that the key components of the programme have been weaved into the Ministry’s strategic development plan 2017 to 2030.
This strategic development plan takes into account the NDP for Fiji, the five-year and 20-year plans, the priorities and the SDGs.

Further, we break down those plans into our annual operations plan and we have got copies for you, Honourable Members, as part of evidence.

Thank you.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, moving on to forestry legislation.

We will request Honourable Aseri Radrodro if he can ask the question.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.


Question 18 - Has the Ministry followed up with the Office of the Solicitor-General on the status of the vetting of the Forest Bill (Bill No.

13 of 2016)?

When does the Ministry intend to finalise the enactment of the revised Forest Act and explain the delay?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member.


Honourable Chair, the answer is that the Forest Bill had two readings in Parliament during the period 2014 to 2018 but because of the Parliament reconvening in November (2018), the Ministry of Forestry has to now resubmit, following the same process.

The Ministry is now taking advantage of this opportunity to also consider other developments that have taken place after the initial Bill was tabled for reading in Parliament.
These include the REDD+ Programme and the draft Climate Change Bill.

To avoid duplication, the Ministry will align its activities to these documents.

As we speak, the Ministry has consulted the Office of the Solicitor-General and we are working 33 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 towards resubmitting the Bill to Parliament, hopefully within this year.
Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Yes, Honourable Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- A supplementary question.

Thank you, PS.

I do not know if it is proper to raise this question but the policy on wetlands, is it part of your purview as well and will that be a part of this review.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Member.

Honourable Chair, I am advised that the wetlands are under the Ministry of Environment.

It is a part of EMA.

HON.

RATU N.T.


LALABALAVU.- Surprisingly, it was brought by the NFMV to us in Taveuni because of the lake.

MS. D. SUE.- We are working with the Ministry of Environment … MR. CHAIRMAN.- Can you use the microphone please?

MS. D. SUE.- Sorry.

Yes, we are working with the Ministry of Environment and other organisations like the NFMV.

Work is in progress.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- On that note, Honourable Lalabalavu, can you ask the question on forest administration please?

HON.

RATU N.T.
HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Question 19 - How does the Ministry of Forestry capture data or the information regarding the roadshows and actions taken to address concerns raised from these roadshows?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair and Honourable Member.

The information is captured in the consultation feedback reports and the issues are actually addressed by the Ministry of Forestry through divisional directors and staff.
I am happy to update the Committee that the Ministry is taking a renewed approach to ensure that issues and concerns raised by communities during these roadshows or consultation are addressed.

We have as evidence a copy of the Forestry Minister’s latest consultation report for your information.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, PS.

The current engagement with the World Bank includes REDD+.
It is focussed on reforestation and de-desertification of talasiga areas, also preservation of established natural forests reserves.

Question 20 - What is the update on the review done by the World Bank in 2016?

How has the Ministry incorporated the recommendation of the report to improve its operations?
34 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

I am happy to update the Committee that the Ministry had actually presented the Emissions Reduction Programme Document (ERPD) in June 2019.

This is a necessity to the World Bank and has been accepted.
Fiji is the only Pacific Island country that has taken this step or reached this stage.

It is expected to begin after the Government signs the Emissions Reduction Programme Agreement (ERPA).

The proposed date is April and a copy of the ERPD can be accessed through the website that we have provided.
It is quite a voluminous document, Honourable Chair but the ERDP has identified 20 districts as we have tried to show you earlier in the presentation, in which carbon enhancement activities will be including reforestation, afforestation, biodiversity conservation and climate smart agriculture.

implemented In 2016, Honourable Chair, the Minister for Economy signed the letter of intent and the recommendations have been incorporated in the ERPD which will be implemented after the signing of the ERPA.
In partnership with CSOs such as the NFMV, CI, WCS and IUCN, the Ministry of Forestry is preparing funding applications to international agencies to help implement this programme.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you for that explanation.

With regards to associations, we request Honourable Nand to ask the question please.

HON.

J.N.

NAND.- Honourable Chair, Sir, through you.


Question 21 - Why is the Ministry of Forestry not considering the establishment of a resource owners association and the forest professionals association?

What are the challenges of forming a foresters association and an association for farmers?

Thank you, Honourable Chair, Sir.

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you.

Honourable Chair.

The Fiji Sawmillers Association has been in existence since the 1980s.
That is the forum that the Ministry often consults, so already an association exists.

It looks after the interests and concerns of the industry.

Over the years we have been liaising with them and the minutes of the meetings are attached.

The Ministry recognises the Yaubula Management Support Team (YMST) established under the 14 provincial offices which are community-based organisations that help to manage and protect natural resources.
Also, to ensure sustainable management of respective natural resources.

The Ministry in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) had attempted to develop a foresters association, however, this is yet to eventuate due to funding issues and the Ministry will consider the development of an association for farmers in future when the reforestation/ afforestation framework is in place.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you.


With regards to extension, we request Honourable Aseri Radrodro to ask the question please.

35 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Chair.


Question 22 - Has the Ministry of Forestry formed integrated extension teams with other stakeholders such as the iTLTB, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Rural Development as required under the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007?

How is this set-up working in terms of the demarcation of roles, responsibilities et cetera?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair and Honourable Member.
The Ministry has formed the REDD+ Steering Committee and this looks after the emissions reduction programme.

This will continue from 2020 to 2025.

Also, the Ministry has formed the ITTO Steering Committee which looks after coastal rehabilitation programme.

This is the same programme that is in Rewa where we launched the shrimp farm last week.

Moreover, the Ministry is part of the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development.
It works with other government agencies under the leadership of the divisional commissioners to develop and implement divisional-level plans.

Thank you, Honourable Chair.

MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, PS.

The next issue is regarding subsidised production of nursery seedlings, forestry training and education.

Question 23 - How has the new arrangement played out?

What are some of the positives and negatives of this initiative?
Question 24 - How far has the Ministry gone in terms of getting the required accreditation by the Fiji Higher Education Commission?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

The Ministry has registered community-owned and private nurseries throughout the three divisions to enable them to supply seedlings for planting in their own lands or other areas marked for planting.

It has enabled community and private nursery owners to benefit financially from the sale of seedlings, so economic empowerment.
Training has also been conducted to educate nursery owners on how to raise seedlings.

The Ministry has assisted some new nursery owners in the procurement of nursery materials.

Your second question on accreditation, Honourable Chair.

The Ministry of Forestry’s Training Centre received its accreditation in December, 2018 and this is for the facility itself.

There are two other areas that need to be accredited.

These include the courses and the trainers but the Ministry is working towards those.
MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, PS.

We take note of the 10 SDG questions and the detailed answers that you have provided.

We will not be doing a submission on that but the Committee will deliberate on those questions later.

Are there any comments from the OAG with regards to today’s submission?
36 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 AUDIT REP.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

The audit was a follow-up on the progress of implementation of the policies and strategies as encompassed in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007.
It is interesting to note that even though this policy was developed in 2007, the concept of sustainability is well encompassed in it.

The word ‘sustainable’ reappears, I lost count, more than 50 times in the whole document.

There is some foresight in it.

We have heard the presentation from the Ministry, we acknowledge and appreciate from our end the progress being shown.

The only issue that we have is the land use plan that is specified in the document.
The policy uses the words ‘holistic’ and ‘integrated’.

It is read in the view that encompass the needs of resource owners.

Just on that note we commend the progress and work done but we thought if that integration can also be, I mean we have not really seen it today, with the other stakeholders because the policy specified the Ministry of Agriculture and the other stakeholders, resource owners.

I think that is the only thing that we thought we can highlight now.
Otherwise there is some vision with that, otherwise maybe the policy has to be reviewed to remove that because that is specified.

It comes with an action plan because otherwise the actions that can happen is what we are seeing in Taveuni.

Encroachment because agriculture is in 3.18.12 and resource owners, they have the need.

It is no longer sustainable farming that they do, it is commercial now.

They are exporting so that needs to be integrated.

That is just a comment from the OAG.

Thank you.


MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, OAG.

How about final comments from the Ministry of Forestry?

MR. P. BALEINABULI.- Thank you, Honourable Chair.

We take note of the comments from the OAG.

As we had explained at length earlier on, it takes a while but the important news or the important point for us is that the Ministry of Forestry is trying to deal with areas within its control.

As we mentioned, we are working now with iTLTB.


In fact, we have started to communicate with iTLTB.

The Ministry would like to support the iTLTB and the Ministry of Agriculture to play a lead role in the land use plans but for now we need to get all the data within the Ministry of Forestry ready and available so that when our consultations happen with the stakeholders then at least the Ministry of Forestry is ready to provide that kind of information.

We take note of that Honourable Chair.


MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thanks a lot for that.

We will request Honourable Aseri Radrodro to thank the submittees on behalf of the Committee.

Thank you.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Chair.

On behalf of the Chairman and the Honourable Members of the Committee, I would like to thank the PS and the team for the very comprehensive responses provided this afternoon.
We hope that you would have also taken notes of what we have highlighted here especially the water catchment reserves that you 37 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020 mentioned before like the Savura Water Catchment and the Sovi Basin.
With those trees that are there, some as big as this table, so the resource owners are not allowed to capitalise and gain monetary values from those because of the reservations in place.

They are being deprived of their fair share or the freeze on their fair share in terms of the resources that they have and contravening the requirements of the Constitution.

We hope that going forward you will take into account all those issues to ensure that there are equitable returns to the resource owners.
With those words, I would like to again thank you for a very comprehensive presentation.

Hopefully our next meeting, we will see a lot of these 31 issues that have been highlighted in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007.

The OAG highlighted only seven, 23 percent implementation and 45 percent partially implemented so hopefully the next time around when we sit, we will reach close to 100 percent implementation in terms of the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007.

Thank you very much, Chair.


MR. CHAIRMAN.- Thank you, Honourable Aseri Radrodro.

We shall now wait for the submittees to depart before we commence with our report.

The Committee adjourned at 3.

22 p.m. 38 | Verbatim Notes – Ministry of Forestry Follow-Up Audit on the Progress of Implementation of Policies and Strategies in the Fiji Forest Policy Statement 2007 Thursday, 19th March, 2020