The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Engineers Regiment today commemorated Sappers Day and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Rural Development and Engineering Unit (RDEU), the foundation of today’s Engineers Corps and a cornerstone of Fiji’s national development, resilience, and humanitarian assistance efforts. The Chief Guest for the ceremony was Retired Colonel Ratu Jone Baledrokadroka.

Speaking at the event, Col Rtd Baledrokadroka said the RDEU was the visionary creation of Fiji’s founding father, the late Rt. Sir Kamisese Mara, who recognised the military’s dual role in defence and national development following Independence. He noted that the unit began in 1975 with just four troops deployed to Makogai Island before expanding rapidly in the years that followed.

“By 1980 the unit had grown to 303 all ranks, and by 1988 it had reached 500. Today the Engineers Regiment stands at over 600 strong,” he said.

He highlighted the Engineers Regiment’s significant contribution to Fiji’s development over the past five decades. From Rotuma to Kadavu and from the Yasawa Islands to the Lau Group, sappers have delivered essential infrastructure including roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and community halls, transforming the daily lives of rural communities.

Col Rtd Baledrokadroka also emphasised the Engineers’ critical role in disaster response, noting that their work following major cyclones such as Bebe, Meli, Oscar, Nigel, Eric, Kina, and Winston demonstrated the resilience and perseverance of the Engineers under hardship.

Reflecting on the Regiment’s overseas commitments, he highlighted the 1982 Fiji Battalion deployment to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), where over 100 sappers formed the core of the first contingent. Fiji’s engineering specialists continue to play a vital role in mobility, counter-mobility, and general services across RFMF peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Col Rtd Baledrokadroka also acknowledged the support of international partners whose training programmes have strengthened the professionalism of the Engineers Corps.

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence in honour of former sappers who have passed on, remembering their service and dedication which continue to inspire the Engineers Regiment of today.

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙎𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝘿𝙖𝙮!!