Don’t Worry, You’re in Good Hands, Koya tells Villagers

CARTONS OF CLOTHING, BEDDINGS, BOTTLED WATER DISTRIBUTED TO FAMILIES IN BA AFFECTED BY THE RECENT CYCLONES

Acting Prime Minister, Faiyaz Koya has reassured villagers of Votua in Ba that Government is managing the country well and that they have nothing to worry about.

The issue came up during a talanoa session at the village hall where questions were raised on Government finances.

The village consisted of 180 households with a population of more than 800 people.

Mr Koya, who is also the Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources, was at the village with a team of more than 30 officials from both ministries to distribute 185 cartons of clothing, bedding and bottled water to families affected by the recent cyclone.

"Don't listen to what people are putting up on social media about Government finances. We are handling things properly, that's why people pay taxes and that is your money which is used to finance all the help given to you," he added.

Mr Koya said Fiji had experienced economic growth for the last eight consecutive years which was a good sign. "Our revenue collection over the past years has improved. We have made economic growth. All these things posted on social media are nonsense and don't waste time on it.”

He said they were not wasting any resources. They had been managing them well and had achieved far more economic growth than some bigger economies.

Village headman, 48-year-old Simione Navara thanked Government for its assistance. “Government started helping us just a few days after the cyclone and we want to thank them for their quick response," he said.

Mine visit

Meanwhile, Mr Koya yesterday visited the Vatukoula Gold Mine Ltd in the wake of the death of miner Avinesh Ram. The late Mr Ram was buried in Tavua yesterday.

Mr Koya said the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources was conducting investigations. "I will make further comments once investigations are complete."

Don’t listen to what people are putting up on social media about Government finances. We are handling things properly. Faiyaz Koya Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources

Photo: Arieta Vakasukawaqa Government officials from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism and Lands and Mineral Resources distributing cartons of relief at Votua Village in Ba on May 5, 2018.

Photo: Arieta Vakasukawaqa Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya with Votua Village headman, Simione Navara in Ba distributing boxes of clothes and bottled water on May 5, 2018.