Headman, villagers motivated by award for cleanliness
Tavua Village from the district of Malolo was awarded a trophy for the best village headman and also the cleanest village in the Nadroga Navosa provinces for 2018.
There were 22 districts (Tikina) in the Nadroga/Navosa provinces that participated in the cleanest village campaign in the first week of December 2018. The awards celebration was held on January 18, 2019.
The provincial council annually offers awards to the cleanest villages of the Nadroga Navosa province in order to sustain healthy living and clean environment. Malolo Village and Yavusa Leweimotu leader Tevita Tuidraki said the award has boosted the morale of their turaga-ni-koro (village headman), Jone Sua including their chief, Na Momo na Taukei Motu.
“Tavua made it to the top 10 and then finally made the cut and was awarded the trophy. The trophy has boosted the morale of leaders and members of the village,” he said.
“A big feast was held at the village on January 18, 2019. Our turaga ni koro was emotional when given time to convey a few words to the members of the Yavusa who were all present at our Tawai Viti Community Hall.
“The journey for 2018 was not an easy one because there were a lot of challenges along the way.” Mr Tuidraki said the award given to their village has motivated them to keep striving to do better in 2019.
Districts Nadroga-Navosa includes the districts of Cuvu, Nasigatoka, Tuva, Malomalo, Wai, Malolo, Naqalimare, Namataku, Noikoro, Conua, Raviravi, Nokonoko, Waicoba, Mavua, Bemana, Navatusila, Koroinasau, Komave, Korolevu I Wai, Nasikawa, Nadrau, and Vatulele.
The population is dispersed between the coastal areas and hinterlands, although major economic activity is focused more toward the coast where tourism and sugar are important sources of income.