Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka has reminded traditional leaders in Rewa of the critical role they play in strengthening local governance, unity, and community resilience to support Fiji’s national development goals.
Speaking at the opening of the Rewa Provincial Council Meeting held at the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD) in Nadave in Tailevu yesterday, Minister Ditoka reiterated the importance of inclusive local planning and leadership.
“Every village should have a Village Development Plan developed through inclusive participation, ensuring women, youth, persons with disabilities, and elders are heard. Our unity as a province is vital to achieving the Government’s vision to work together in love, wisdom, and responsible stewardship of our God-given resources,” Minister Ditoka said.
He called on the chiefs and people of Rewa to reflect on the importance of building strong families as the foundation for national progress.
Minister Ditoka expressed gratitude to the Rewa Provincial Council and traditional leaders, including the Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi and the Turaga na Vunivalu for their continued support to the Ministry and its work, particularly in rural development and disaster risk management.
During his address, Hon. Ditoka outlined Fiji’s key development priorities, as articulated in the National Development Plan 2025–2029 and Vision 2050. He noted that 62 percent of Fijians living in poverty were based in rural areas, emphasising the need for inclusive, community-driven planning and investment.
Minister Ditoka also highlighted several major infrastructure priorities for rural areas, including housing, roads, bridges, jetties, seawalls, water supply, electricity, and communication networks. Targets set out by the Government for the 2025-2027 period include the construction of 270 new homes, 6 jetties, 20 seawall upgrades, and 120 farm access roads.
He confirmed that the total Government investment in the province of Rewa from financial years 2022 to 2025 has reached $104.7 million, with $36.6 million allocated for the current financial year alone.
Minister Ditoka also outlined recent national budget initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, including the reduction of VAT to 12.5 percent, increased social welfare and pension assistance, and subsidised student transport and back-to-school support.
He also highlighted that the passing of the National Disaster Risk Management Act and establishment of a dedicated Relocation Unit were key milestones in strengthening national coordination and community response.
Meanwhile, the province also launched its three-year 2025-2028 Strategic Development Plan at the opening of its provincial council meeting today.