France provides aerial survey for Fiji

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In a gesture of goodwill, the government of France has become the first overseas power to offer surveillance aid to the Fijian Government.

Led by Lieutenant-Colonel Arnau Bouyssou, the group includes Captain Damien Doubois and second-in-command David Deboissu, who will operate the aircraft over Western Viti Levu this week to provide aerial photographs of flood-stricken areas for local assessment.

“We are very happy to assist with aerial surveys and we hope that our assistance will mitigate flood assessments,” Lieutenant-Colonel Bouyssou told Government officials.

Divisional planning officer Eastern Luke Moroivalu received the group with gratitude saying their assistance would help provide the essential aerial photographs and surveillance reference.

The team will be accompanied and assisted by the lands department’s assistant director of mapping and land information, Samuela Naicegucegu.

Mr Moroivalu said the group would start their surveillance work at the Sigatoka Valley before heading towards the province of Ra. Ba, Nadi and the Yasawa Group will follow suit.

The French navy officers will present their aerial photographs and surveys to Government before departing on Friday.