A long-awaited project aimed at constructing a community hall has begun in Vuci, Tailevu, amidst adverse weather conditions. Joji Butadroka, the local development leader, expressed his excitement about this initiative.
Butadroka spoke after the recent inauguration of the new community hall by the leader of the national government, Sitiveni Rabuka, during a regional meeting held in Vuci last week.
This project had previously seen delays starting from the initial allocation of funds in 2009, which continued to stall until 2012. Recently, government assistance was provided under the village improvement scheme to support the completion of this community hall.
The total cost of the project is $790,000. Butadroka indicated that the hall will offer a space for local residents, particularly as they live near small rivers that can often flood.
He stated that the new facility will be accessible for all community members. Vuci is home to 67 households with nearly 300 residents.
“Previously, during times of flooding or bad weather, we would seek shelter in the local church or other long-standing buildings in the village. With the establishment of this community hall, we now have a space to enjoy,” he remarked.
Butadroka also noted that the hall will have areas reserved for people who may be unwell and need protection. Alongside this, there are provisions for a dispensary, a youth resource center, and a women’s resource center, ensuring a range of services will be maintained.
The regional meeting underlined that the community hall will serve as a venue for important meetings and has the potential to significantly benefit the local population in various educational capacities.