Nuku Villagers in Moala happy to have their say on NDP
VILLAGERS of Nuku, in Moala converged at their community hall to put forth their contributions towards the National Development Plan, kickstarting the month-long consultation in the Eastern Division.
Identifying coastal erosion as one of the key challenges encountered in coastal communities, 55-year-old, Koroi Qaranivalu, said that the Government should prioritise the construction of sea-walls in villages like theirs.
Mr Qaranivalu said that they have witnessed the damage done to their foreshore and the potential threat it brings to their communities, and their livelihood.
Other issues raised included the need for transport assistance through fibreglass boats, increase in social welfare allowance and access to treated water.
On the same note, he has applauded the Fiji Government for reaching out to all Fijians, despite their geographical locations to ensure that their voices are heard.
Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, National Development, Strategic Development and Statistics also visited Keteira Village and Nasoki Village for the same consultations.
The consultation team was accompanied by officers from the Ministry of Health’s outreach team who raised awareness and brought health services right to the door-steps of villages in the Southern Lau group.
“Accessing services as such can quite be a challenge for us, thus I am grateful to the Government for availing avenues as such to ensure that we are able to be seen, and to learn ways to improve our health,” 66-year-old Julia Wati said.
The 103 villagers were able to access health check-ups, dental services, eye and ear screening from Project Hearing and Vision Enhancement (HEAVEN) who handed out reading glasses to those who needed it, as well as awareness from various departments within the Ministry.