Tui Vaturova Requests Settlements to Become Village
The settlements are Baleyaganiga and Togaviti.
Residents of iTaukei settlements in Cakaudrove Province have expressed interest to register as a village. The settlements are Baleyaganiga and Togaviti.
The request was made during a talanoa session with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during his official engagement at Korotasere Village at Vaturova, Cakaudrove.
Tui Vaturova Ratu Emosi Veidra said the village status would allow the settlements to seek Government assistance and enhance their ability to reap the benefits of village progress.
Ratu Emosi said copra, yaqona, root crops and fishing were the major source of income at Vaturova.
“I have accepted the request by the two clans (mataqali) to form their separate identity and village,” he said.
Mr Rabuka directed the Commissioner Northern, Uraia Rainima, to assist this request.
The criteria for assessing an iTaukei settlement’s suitability for registration as a village is at the discretion of the iTaukei Land Trust Board in accordance to the Declaration of iTaukei Settlements as iTaukei Villages By-Laws 2010.
Another solar project
Meanwhile, Mr Rabuka opened the much awaited solar system at Koroivonu Village in Tunuloa, Cakaudrove yesterday.
For years, the villagers there have been dependent on kerosene lights, battery-operated torches, and mini solar systems which were often unreliable.
The solar system will serve 250 people from 75 households. The solar system installation was facilitated by the Office of the Prime Minister through aid of the Chinese Government.
Village headman, Usenio Vuicakau, 67, said it was an early Christmas gift.
“The entire village is overwhelmed with the resource and the PM’s visit is a memorable one for us,” he said. “Students, parents and senior citizens will be the major beneficiaries.”
Following the commissioning in Tunuloa, the prime minister then went to Taveuni with his delegation yesterday, which also concluded his two-week North Tour.
Ratu Emosi said copra, yaqona, root crops and fishing were the major source of income at Vaturova.