GOVERNMENT TO FOCUS ON SAFETY OF ALL FIJIANS

02/04/2012

Government's focus for the next 24 hours continues to be the safety and security of all Fijians including visitors stranded in Fiji.

Ministry of Provincial Development permanent secretary Mr Inia Seruiratu said a coordinated approach needs to be taken to ensure that everyone is aware of the current situation and the relevant action taken.

"We as responsible citizens of Fiji need to work together and coordinate with each other as there is still a tropical cyclone warning in place for the Fiji group," Seruiratu said.

Mr Seruiratu today reiterated the need for Fijians to stay out of flood waters, including those living near flood prone areas.

The advise follows concerns received by the DISMAC office that people were still crossing flooded waters to buy cigarettes and other items from shops.

New developments also noted by the permanent secretary was the deployment of the government barge, MV Vatuloka to the Western Division carrying 120,000 litres of water to assist hotels along the coastline and the Nadi district.

The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Denarau at 1300 hours.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Roads Authority has confirmed that the Navo bridge remains open to single lane traffic only.

Commuters and those wishing to travel to the Western Division can travel via the Queens Highway right up to Balekinaga bridge in Ba.

Balekinaga is 17 kilometres aways from Wailotua, Kings road.