Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu met with district representatives from the province of Lomaiviti this week to listen to development issues they have and discuss how best they could work with Government to address these issues.
The meeting which was facilitated by the Commissioner Eastern Division, Mr. Vitale Varo, was conducted in preparation for the Lomaiviti Provincial Council meeting.
“This was an opportunity for us to discuss development issues within the Lomaiviti province. We looked at projects which are currently being undertaken, identify some of the problems faced and discuss ways in which these could be addressed,” Minister Seruiratu said.
A number of issues relating to accessibility, communications and economic opportunities available to Fijians within the province were discussed at the meeting.
“Key issues raised included accessibility – sea transport access and road access, but we are thankful that road developments are being undertaken now in Koro, Gau and Ovalau. In terms of sea transport access, we talked about how the franchise service affects them and how this could be addressed. Communication network for the maritime islands is also an issue, we will try and discuss that in detail with the service providers. Majority of the islands are covered, but there are only a few that do not have accessibility for mobile and data which are very critical for us now,” Minister Seruiratu said.
“Economic empowerment was also part of the discussions. They have an abundance of marine resources and the bigger islands are also prominent in livestock and crop production and of course forestry, with the pine schemes and a few other initiatives being undertaken here.”
Minister Seruiratu said he was pleased with some of the feedback received from the district representatives on the need for more solar energy.
“This is very good especially in our effort to reduce carbon emissions,” he added.
During the meeting, Minister Seruiratu also commended the district representatives for their assistance towards the work undertaken by Government in rural and maritime communities.
Minister Seruiratu said district representatives were important rural development stakeholders, especially in supporting Government’s commitment of “leaving no one behind” in its development aspirations.