The Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Inia Seruiratu, today opened the first Government roadshow in Wainikoro, Nadogo in Vanua Levu.
In his opening address, the Minister reminded the public on Government’s commitment to bring services closer to every Fijian.
“Development, to be meaningful must be adopted through a partnership approach, ensuring that all parties involved in the development take ownership and be appreciative of these projects”, he said.
“We all have a responsibility in development; communities therefore are partners in all of government’s development programmes”.
He said the objective of the two day road show was to bring services closer to the people and to allow them to make use of the services offered by government and the business stakeholders present.
“Government has always been concerned with the challenges faced by some of our rural communities in accessing government services and the amount of time and money spent to access these services.”
He said government officials were present, specifically to offer services and provide advice to people’s needs.
“The presence of government agencies and partners is intended to bring a holistic approach to address issues that have been affecting your daily lives”.
Meanwhile the Wainikoro Government Road show has been applauded by the people of the five districts, communities and settlements of Wainikoro, in Macuata.
Jagdish Prasad of Navoalevu of Nadogo viewed the event as a chance for farmers to gain more knowledge and information about the different government departments.
“I am very happy that the government has brought something different to the farmers in this area, we are accessing information that we did not understand.”
Turaga ni Koro of Vunivutu, Mosese Vosanalala said the road show is an ideal opportunity to seek advice and assistance in the development needs of their village community.
“We really appreciate the opportunity and thank government for making it happen for us community in rural Northern division.
“ I am particularly interested in talking to the Fiji Roads to seek out ways they can assist in upgrading the feeder road to our village considering that we mostly sugarcane farmers and also fishermen.
Viliame Sawailau, a form 3 student of Nadogo Central College said the road show was an educational experience for him especially in the knowledge of government services to the people.
“I am very happy i am able to be here today to experience the road show which has opened my eyes to the work that government is doing especially the different services.”
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