Seruiratu: Rural Fijians involved in development processes
Government wants to ensure that rural Fijians in the Eastern Division are also involved in the development processes, says the Minister of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu.
Mr Seruiratu is one of the Cabinet Ministers, who accompanied Prime MinisterVoreqe Bainimarama on his two-day tour of Ovalau in the Eastern Division.
The tour was part of the PM’s tour of rural areas in the four divisions.
Mr Seruiratu said the visit was important because Ovalau was “very critical”, being the main centre for the islands of Lomaiviti.
“Of course they contribute a lot to the economy as well and help in providing for the livelihoods of the local communities,” he said. “From the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, we want to ensure that our rural communities enjoy all the benefits and the services provided by Government.
“For this visit, there are a few projects that are to be commissioned, but it is not only about the commissioning of projects.
“The opportunity to have discussions with all the stakeholders and most importantly looking at the potentials for development in Levuka and Ovalau is important as well.”
He said the visit to Ovalau was also an opportunity for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Ministers to interact with the people and share with them the development plans that were in place for Ovalau and the Lomaiviti Province.
“As minister responsible for rural development, the Eastern Division has a lot of challenges, particularly because of its geographical layout, but that does not mean that Government has neglected its responsibility.
“We want to ensure that they are involved, not only in terms of the projects, but of course in the development processes as well and that’s why it’s important that their voices are heard and their issues addressed as well.”
The Government delegation which was led by the Prime Minister arrived on Ovalau.
As part of the programme, the PM handed over the Yavusa Waidau freehold land titles at Navuloa Village before officially commissioning the Levuka Public School’s boys hostel.
The tour ended yesterday.