Vani Catanasiga, the Executive Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, has shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living in informal settlements, where the lack of established community structures has hindered access to essential services and the coordination of development projects. She noted that a recent survey conducted in 2023 revealed that development partners often struggle to implement initiatives effectively due to the absence of focal points for community engagement.
To address these issues, the Council is piloting a community council model designed to reflect traditional village structures while being specifically adapted for urban informal areas. This model includes various sub-committees dedicated to critical issues such as crime prevention, disaster risk reduction, and social affairs to address challenges encountered within these communities.
Catanasiga emphasized the importance of community organization, stating, “We want to make sure that they are organized, and that there are leaders within the community addressing challenges like crime, which is a significant concern.” This proactive approach aims to empower local leaders and create structured frameworks to better tackle the social challenges faced by residents in informal settlements.
This initiative resonates with similar efforts to enhance governance and leadership in different regions of Fiji, as highlighted by the government’s ongoing commitment to improving community capabilities. Programs aimed at promoting better governance and addressing issues such as sanitation, hygiene, and psychosocial support are also being rolled out, paving the way for positive engagement in local development.
By fostering an empowered community through structured participation, these initiatives not only aim to resolve existing issues but also inspire hope for a more resilient and self-sufficient future for communities across Fiji. The collaborative nature of these efforts signifies a movement toward more organized and engaged communities capable of addressing their own challenges.
Catanasiga’s work and the support from various development partners reflect a commitment to uplift informal settlements, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs met. Through these efforts, there is potential for strengthening community bonds and fostering a more collaborative approach to local governance in the Fijian context.
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