Residents living in Raiwai braved the cold weather conditions to express their views and concerns at the National Development consultations last night.
The 25 member group voiced their opinion and suggestions and informed the NDP team of challenges that they faced on a daily basis in their community.
Jerry Bulirou who has been living in Raiwai at the Public Rental Board flats for the past 10 years, acknowledged and lauded government’s efforts in conducting consultations in their area.
“This consultation is one of the best ways to receive feedback from the community and we are pleased to be part of the consultations,” Mr Bulirou said.
“We would like to request for the rent to be reduced to $80 for those of us that live in PRB flats and we would also like an assessment to be carried out on the flats and sold to us as we are willing to buy it.”
Furthermore, Mr Bulirou requested if the seasonal workers scheme could also include all the unemployed citizens of Fiji instead of prioritising those that live in the rural areas.
“Most of us living here have children and we don’t have any playground for them to play in. I propose the relevant authority to allocate a play area for the kids as we have an empty ground at the back of the flat,” Mr Bulirou added.
National Development Planning team leader, Marika Naiyaga said a lot of issues have been discussed since the start of the consultation phase.
“Ownership of homes, playground for the children, seasonal workers schemes are some issues that affect the tenants of PRB flats daily,” Mr Naiyaga said.
“All these issues can only be solved through development so that we can improve the quality of life within the next 5 to 20 years and in the long run.”
Mr Naiyaga urged members of the public to meet and prepare submissions on issues that that they would like included in the NDP for the next 20 years.
The Central Division consultations conclude next Wednesday.