One vehicle for 16,513 people

$644k needed for power supply

THE police have just one vehicle to look after the welfare and security of 16,513 Fijians on Taveuni, according to Taveuni District Officer Abdul Hakim.

Mr Haim said it was difficult for the police to carry out their operations because they also depended on the vehicles of other government departments.

Mr Hakim, while briefing the Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Minister Sakiasi Ditoka, said at times the police borrow other government vehicles to carry out their work.

“It’s hard on them when they want to use the vehicles of other departments because these departments

– have their own commitments,” he said.

Mr Hakim said other areas of concern included the ongoing kava and dalo theft and the cultivation of drugs.

“Before marijuana was uprooted in the south, however, recently they have been found to be planted in areas near Waiyevo where the police station is located,” he said.

In response, Divisional Commander Northern Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka said that in regards to yaqona and dalo theft, they had not made an arrest.

“We have conducted investigations but have not been able to apprehend anyone,” he said.

“In terms of drugs, we have cases of cultivation. While carrying out awareness programs, we have requested the assistance of the public.

“At the moment, we have not received any case of hard drugs such as methamphetamines.”

SSP Baledrokadroka said there were plans to build a police post in Vuna, at the south end of the island.

“It has gone up to the management and they have given approval for the police post to be built,” he said.

Mr Ditoka agreed that police officers need another vehicle to help with their daily operations.

He said he would raise this matter with relevant authorities.

THREE settlements on Taveuni are waiting for funding of $644,764 to get connected to the electricity supply.

They are Waitavala, Drekeniwai and Burotu settlements with a combined total of 94 households.

Taveuni District Officer Abdul Hakim said the funding would be provided to the Department of Energy.

“The work on the ground will be carried out by Energy Fiji Ltd,” he said.

“For Waitavala, 42 applicants have yet to access proper electricity and there’s funding of $386,564.92 needed.

“As for Drekeniwai and Burotu settlements, a total of $258,199.53 is needed to get the 52 individuals connected to electricity.”

Mr Hakim, while briefing the Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Minister Sakiasi Ditoka, said two villages were connected to electricity at the end of last year.

“Navusa got connected at a cost of $427,863.42 while the total cost to get Malaga connected was $427, 863.42.

“There were 95 applicants from Navusa and a total of 15 from Malaga.”

Mr Hakim said stage two of the project would be to get people of Matei to Naselesele villages connected.

“The estimated cost to get these people connected to electricity is $644,764.52.”

Mr Ditoka agreed there was an immediate need to get these people connected.

In terms of drugs, we have cases of cultivation. While carrying out awareness programs, we have requested the assistance of the public Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka