The declaration of Rakiraki as town is the culmination of Government’s development programmes conducted in the province of Ra according to Ra’s Provincial Administrator, Joji Satakala.
Rakiraki was full of pomp as thousands from all over the province came to witness their urban centre finally declared the newest town in Fiji on Thursday (July 1, 2010).
Children lined the streets with members of the public while hundreds joined the Fiji Military Force and Fiji Police Force bands led a march through town to Davui Grounds.
Men of Rokovuaka village in Ra awaits the arrival of Prime Minister Bainimarama on Thursday (July 1) to officially declare Rakiraki as town.
Prime Minister in an earlier visit to the province this year urged all stakeholders in Rakiraki to work towards getting the urban centre to be declared town.
Satakala said the achievement means more economic activities for the province and better livelihood for its citizens.
“Their turning out in numbers today is a show of appreciation to Government for making this a reality for everyone.
“This is a milestone achievement and its long overdue.
“Government recently has carried out development works throughout the province such as road maintenance and building of new ones, assistance of all kinds to schools and rural communities,” he said.
Students of schools around Rakiraki also took part in the parade through the new town. The procession was led by Fiji Military Force Band, followed by the Fiji Police and the Salvation Army bands respectively.
Satakala said all of these were done with the aim of creating more economic activities in the province that would benefit the whole nation.
“This is to help boost economy, boost investment confidence and lure more developments for the whole province.
“ More developments are in line, which will make this side of Fiji more attractive for investment,” he said.
The chiefs of the four districts of Ra gathered with members of the public to mark the historic occasion and show their appreciation to Government.