On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, oversaw the inauguration of two important projects: a new water storage system for Batiki Island and a foot crossing for Yavu Village.
During the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Ditoka underscored the significance of the Batiki Water Project, highlighting its dual role in not only delivering clean water but also upholding the fundamental right of villagers to access safe and uncontaminated water.
The Minister acknowledged that this initiative marked a notable advancement by making clean water readily available, thus triggering positive transformations in the villagers' way of life and overall health.
The successful execution of these projects, the Minister said, hinged on the indispensable cooperation among the government, and the people of Batiki. The Batiki Water Project, which incurred a cost of $11,855.61, now guarantees the community a dependable and user-friendly means to access clean water for diverse needs encompassing drinking, cooking, hygiene, and sanitation.
Furthermore, Hon. Ditoka accentuated the substantial benefits of the foot crossing, valued at $8,000, for the village of Yavu.
“This addition ensures accessibility to the section of the village located across the creek, irrespective of weather conditions, thereby greatly enhancing convenience, especially for women, children, and elderly individuals,” said Hon Ditoka.
The Minister expressed hope that this footcrossing would be maximally utilised to serve its intended purpose.
"But let it not stop here," added the Minister, "Development must continue and any development initiatives should contribute to progress and not regress."
Meanwhile, Yavu Villager Peni Soqosoqolevu, speaking on behalf of the people of Batiki expressed their gratitude for the assistance from Government.
“We are thankful to witness the positive changes that have finally started to take shape when the Coalition Government came into power and it's a relief to acknowledge the significant improvements that these changes have brought, especially for civil servants who have been waiting for a breath of fresh air.”
“The absence of intimidation and the shift towards a more supportive environment are already beginning to show their positive impact on the quality of services the Government can provide,” said Mr. Soqosoqolevu.
“The mention of the Coalition Government strikes a chord with us as it is vital for all parties involved to actively engage in open and honest communication. If the leaders of the coalition can truly listen to one another and work together, Fiji might finally be on the path to leaving behind the challenges that have held us back,” said Mr. Soqosoqolevu.
“The importance of collaboration and cooperation within the government cannot be overstated. It's through this unity that we can navigate away from the pitfalls of the past.”
“We can sense a renewed enthusiasm for progress and a collective commitment to overcoming the hurdles that have impeded Fiji's development. It's an exciting prospect to think that we're finally moving in a direction where obstacles will be treated as opportunities for growth,” stated Minister Ditoka.
“By embracing this spirit of unity and focusing on the greater good, the Coalition Government has the potential to shape a brighter future for our beloved country and its citizens.”
-ENDS-