A hall fully funded by the people of Drekeniwai was officially opened yesterday by Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka at Drekeniwai Village in Navatu, Cakaudrove.
Completed with a driveway, carpark and soon to be installed solar electric power system, the hall cost approximately $170,000.00.
In his address, Prime Minister Rabuka said the faith of the people of Navatu to see the completion of the project was the underlying factor that brought it to fruition.
“Faith can move mountains and when we have faith that victory will be ours,” said the Prime Minister.
“We had faith when we started building in February last year and we set a date for the opening which was January 2nd but this was deferred to the 3rd to give the village folks time to prepare for this occasion.”
The Prime Minister said that such projects are quite achievable in our communities provided we work together.
“More often we are faced with challenges and the excuse of poverty often looms but let me assure you that poverty is only in the mind. Poverty does not mean the lack of material things or the state of your personal economy.”
“When we do things with faith, we will achieve a lot. To doubt oneself is dangerous and is often associated with fear and by eliminating doubt from our minds we are taking a step forward in alleviating poverty not only personally but across the nation as well.”
“The faith of the people of Navatu was so great that they decided from the onset that the Prime Minister will open this hall and it happened today.”
“They had faith in the project and they had faith that a new Prime Minister will open this hall.”
“But it will be remiss of me not to mention the tremendous support of our people in urban centers and overseas. We have been blessed because of our faith in God.”
“I also acknowledge the overwhelming support of the Savusavu-based hardware store – Gulabdas Limited which saw the completion of this project.”
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the Bainimarama government for building a nature-based seawall along its coastline.
