PM assures villagers they’re not left out, Govt does more than just listen Scan QR to read
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday assured Government’s commitment in prioritising the needs of rural dwellers when making decisions at top-level.
Mr Bainimarama clearly stated: “I have never led a Government that is content with making all of its decisions sitting in offices in Suva.” He made the statement while speaking to the students, teachers and villagers of Nasavu in Bua yesterday.
Since day one, the Prime Minister said their ears had been open to the people.
“We listen to your ideas, and we take on your concerns,” Mr Bainimarama told those listening.
“But we do not stop there. We do more than just listen.”
The Prime Minister explained after listening to their concerns, his team would then work on development projects that would be a life changer for these communities. “And more often than not, we make those decisions here, directly in the communities we’re committed to serve,” he said.
“I am not only here in Nasavu to open the door of the school, but I am here to understand the obstacles you face, and I am here to learn about how you can work with your Government achieve your community’s greatest aspirations for yourselves and most importantly for your children.”
While he said not everything could be built or accomplished overnight, it would still happen.
“We cannot settle for slap-stick solutions or gimmicks,” he said. “Real, resilient development takes time. But as we see today it is always worth it.”
Update on COVID-19
Mr Bainimarama says Fijians are currently at war with a very serious crisis, the coronavirus pandemic. Overseas, he updated villagers, that the deadly virus had claimed one million lives globally.
“In many countries, even a gathering like we are taking part in today would be a deadly mistake,” he said.
“Fiji acted quickly to stop the virus from spreading in our country and thank God we did. Now, we can live with some sense of normalcy.
But the economic pain of border closures and lower demand for exports all around the world have proved devastating for our economy.”
We listen to your ideas, and we take on your concerns. But we do not stop there. We do more than just listen. Voreqe Bainimarama Prime Minister
Talanoa
Some issues raised during the talanoa session were pending projects planned by non-government organisations. They were still on hold.
This included an evacuation centre.
The women of Nasavu Village requested a grant to establish a bakery to supply bread to the hostel students of Nadi District School. There was also a request for a new generator for the Ratu Luke Secondary School in Bua.