During a recent talanoa session, eight District Advisory Councillors (DAC) presented their concerns to Professor Biman Prasad, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The meeting, held in Vuci South, Nausori, highlighted several pressing issues in their communities, including drainage problems, inadequate feeder roads, blocked culverts, informal settlements, and rising drug use.
In his remarks regarding drug-related issues, Professor Prasad expressed alarm over the increasing involvement of young people in drug activities, describing it as alarming and troubling. He stressed that tackling this issue requires the collective effort of parents, community members, and the government.
Professor Prasad assured the local stakeholders that he would work towards addressing the problems that were raised. He also provided an overview of certain aspects of the 2024–25 National Budget, emphasizing that the Coalition Government aims to support and alleviate the concerns of the populace.
Looking ahead, further talanoa meetings with grassroots participants and stakeholders are expected in the coming days.