Minister Vosarogo Urges Bua to Focus on Development and Anti-Drug Initiatives
The Province of Bua, represented by its nine district representatives, is currently holding a meeting at the Naulumatua House in Nabouwalu.
The meeting, which commenced on Wednesday, July 17, was inaugurated by the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Filimone Vosarogo. He urged the Bua Provincial Council Meeting (PCM) to shift their focus from merely discussing challenges to exploring ways to leverage the recently announced budget and align government initiatives with the province’s progress.
Hon. Vosarogo acknowledged the chiefs of Bua and the district representatives for their contributions to these meetings. He emphasised that the government has a significant responsibility to strengthen the economy.
With the budget now approved, relevant government offices, such as the Provincial Administrator’s Office and the Roko Tui’s Office, will be responsible for coordinating with district representatives to disseminate information about available programs at village meetings.
“The government is keen to see the development of our people’s lives,” Hon. Vosarogo stated. “When people are empowered with information, it becomes easier for the government to implement programs to develop our villages, tikina, and the province as a whole.”
Effective development initiatives, he added, depend on collaboration between the government, the vanua, and the church, through the concept known as "solesolevaki."
Hon. Vosarogo highlighted that the Province of Bua has long anticipated the development of a new town in Nabouwalu. He noted that many large businesses that once operated in the area have either relocated or ceased operations.
“There is an ongoing plan, and work has started,” he said. “Discussions are underway between the Ministry of Local Government and provincial holdings. Once completed, this town will be unlike any other in Fiji.”
Reflecting on the town’s development, Hon. Vosarogo mentioned, “I understand that the first-ever plan for the town was drawn in 1976 under the Alliance Government, led by the late Tui Nayau Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. It is now 2024, 48 years after the initial plan, and something must be done. The Coalition Government has initiated development, and work has begun on the bus station. We cannot wait another 10 years; we want the children of Bua to grow up witnessing the changes taking place in Nabouwalu.”
Returning to the budget, Hon. Vosarogo highlighted several programs now accessible, such as the 'Community Access Roads and Bridges' program, for which the government has allocated $2 million under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development. Another program under the same ministry, the 'Grant to Self Help Projects,' has been allocated $1 million.
Concluding his address, Minister Vosarogo urged the Bua Provincial Council to take a stand against drug abuse.
“The current drug problems are a pressing concern not only for the Government but for our societies as a whole. It requires a collaborative effort to address it. It is therefore imperative for all stakeholders, including the Vanua and the church, to collaborate closely in tackling this issue.”
The Minister emphasised that now is the opportune moment for unity to shape a brighter future for Fiji.
“Failure to do so would result in a less promising future, with our young people ensnared in the web of drug dependency,” he warned.