Government says it is committed to the interests of the Melanesian community just as it is to other communities that make Fiji their home.
Naitasiri Provincial Administrator, Mr Eremasi Dame made these remarks to participants at a community capacity building (CCB) exercise that was held at Wai and Vataleka in Wailoku.
He said despite the abolishment of the Department of Multi Ethnic Affairs the needs and aspiration of the Melanesian Community in terms of rural development, is still being looked after by the government through the office of the Provincial Administrator Naitasiri.
The general Wailoku area consists of five Melanesian villages namely Marata, Wai, Koio, Vataleka and Bali.
He said the CCB exercise is specifically targeted for Wai and Vataleka Villagers as it is located within the Province of Naitasiri whilst the village of Marata, Bali and Koio is located within the Province of Rewa.
“Government’s services to the Melanesian Communities under the Rural Integrated Development Framework will cover areas of development that was not covered by the Department of Multi Ethnic Affairs,” he said.
“Therefore it will be an advantage to the Melanesian Community who were deprived of various Government services when under the ambit of the Department of Multi Ethnic Affairs.”
He said the presence of government officials during the CCB exercise is an advantage to the Melanesian Community as provided for under the Integrated Rural Development Framework policy mandated by Government.
“The Provincial Administrator is in control of rural development whereby all Government representative work in unison in an coordinated manner for the sake of all as outlined in the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress,” he said.
Mr Dame said for the people of Vataleka and Wai Village encouraged the community to raise their concerns or to seek assistance of the Assistant District Officer Naitasiri South who will direct them to the Government Department concerned.
During the CCB meeting the District Officer Naitasiri Mr. Jovesa Naqarikau also deliberated on the Capital Programmes funded by the Ministry of Provincial Development.
He said for the Melanesian community to access government assistance, forms are available with the District Officer Suva and the ADO Naitasiri South.
“All request will be endorsed by their respective village headman and the District Advisory Council,” he said.
“Since Suva is much closer to the residence of the two villages, it would be advisable to forward your request and assistance to the District Officer Suva.
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