Villagers of Nuku, in Moala converged at their community hall to put forth their contributions towards the three, five and 20 year National Development Plan yesterday (06.03.24), kick-starting the month long consultation in the Eastern Division.
Identifying coastal erosion as one of the key challenges encountered in coastal communities, 55 year old Koroi Qaranivalu said Government should prioritise the construction of sea-walls in villages like theirs.
Mr. Qaranivalu said this was because they have witnessed the damages done to their foreshore and the potential threat it brings to their communities, and their livelihood.
Other issues raised included the need for transport assistance through fiberglass boats, increase in social welfare allowance, and access to treated water.
On the same note, he has applauded the Fiji Government for reaching out to all Fijians, despite their geographical locations to ensure that their voices are heard.
Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, National Development, Strategic Development and Statistics will be at Keteira Village and Nasoki Village for the same consultations, today (07.03.24).
Meanwhile, the team is being accompanied by officers from the Ministry of Health’s outreach team who are conducting awareness, and bringing health services right to the door-steps of villages in the Southern Lau group.
“Accessing services as such can quite be a challenge for us, thus I am grateful to the Government for availing avenues as such to ensure that we are able to be seen, and to learn ways to improve our health,” a 66 year old Julia Wati said.
The 103 villagers were able to access health checkups, dental services, eye and ear screening from Project Hearing And Vision Enhancement (HEAVEN) who handed out reading glasses to those who needed it, as well as awareness from various departments within the Ministry.