PM Empowers Fijians to Start Projects
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has empowered Fijians not to be complacent but to initiate their own projects.
He said this as he opened the new village hall in his village of Drekeniwai in Cakaudrove, which was named after him.
“The Government will input in these developments in any way possible,” he said.
The village hall opening yesterday was significant as villagers called it a double celebration.
Known as Rabuka Hall, it was to honour Mr Rabuka’s appointment as Head of Government into the next four years.
Village headman, Lepani Rova, said villagers working in Viti Levu and abroad raised the funds for its construction.
Mr Rova said the cost was around $85,000. Fundraising began in February last year. There are 353 villagers from 65 households.
Mr Rabuka said he was honoured by the gesture.
“I felt confident that I would return as the PM and open the hall and the dream was a reality.” Savusavu businessman, Galab Das, was thanked for his timely supply of building materials during construction.
Look North Policy
Mr Rabuka said the coalition Government supported the Look North Policy and its corresponding development and plans were for more
such engagements.
He said they would also adopt a nationwide rural approach where rural and maritime communities would not be left behind in developments.
This would see the Look North Policy incorporated into Rural and Outer Island Development (ROID) programme.
Mr Rabuka cleared the air that despite being from Vanua Levu, he would, in his capacity, ensure that all developments were people-centred and enhancing for the people. Meanwhile, Mr Rabuka thanked his predecessor, Voreqe Bainimarama, for assisting with the building of the seawall at his village.
Freedom of expression
On Monday, Mr Rabuka urged civil servants to exercise their right to freedom of expression when the need arose.
He said working in fear was not encouraged but for individuals to carry out their work to the best of their abilities, to promote nation building.
“Development never ends, let us play our part during our generation so that the foundation for the future generation is firmer than when we build, although they were built by the previous generation,” Mr Rabuka said.
“Our mode of operation is, “in cooperation with the people to promote the development of our nation” - that is why you would have heard in my New Year’s address, I focused on Unity and joint effort.” Mr Rabuka said the Government’s core function was to assist members of the public and it was imperative that civil servants worked together.