"It is the aim of this government to boost economic development in rural areas and enhance infrastructural development as the priority. Without improvement, economic development can never be fully realised in these areas. Please don't loose hope, have faith, one day your problems will be taken care of."
This was the message given by His Excellency, the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as he began his first official tour to the North today by visiting the current and potential economic development areas in Dreketi and Seaqaqa.
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| H.E. the President at the Taiwan Timber Company in Macuata |
Accompanied by the Commisioner Northern Colonel Inia Seruiratu, the Permanent Secretary to the Presidents Office, Mr Joeli Rokovada, and other government officials in Labasa,
His Excellency the President visited the Dreketi Rice Irrigation Project and told rice farmers in the area that in the past government poured thousands of dollars in the development of the Dreketi Rice project but over the years production slowed down due to various factors.
However, he assured farmers that government knows the potential of rice farming and he urged farmers to work together with agriculture officials in order to realise the pot of gold in the area.
The President also visited the Natural Seafood Company in Dreketi which is owned by a Taiwanese Company where fisheries officer, Mr Senikau told Ratu Nailatikau that the company was established in 2002 for eco food business and to date has invested 1 million dollars in Fiji.The companys target for hatchery in 2010-2014 are; freshwater prawn 30 million,Tilapia 4 million, Shrimp 5 million.
His Excellency also toured the Taiwan Timber Company which has been exporting timber from Vanua Levu to overseas buyers for some years now.
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| H.E. the President and students of Navai Primary School, Seaqaqa |
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau later visited the cane growers in the Navudi, Navai, and Rokosalase cane farming areas in Seaqaqa at Navai Primary School where he was briefed on the importance of the district of Seaqaqa and how it supplies a third of Labasa’s mill crop which is equivalent to 300,000 –350,000 tonnes in a good year.
His Excellency continues his tour of the north tomorrow.