Efforts are ongoing to address the management of local leadership positions in our area. The recognition of these positions will significantly support the governance of the community, church, and state.
In Tailevu, there are 879 local leadership roles, with 483 currently recognized while 396 remain unrecognized. This situation has been highlighted by the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, during the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting held in Vuci, Tokatoka, this past Thursday.
Rabuka emphasized that assessing our villages, which do not have recognized leadership roles, shows that there is a decline in development, with benefits not adhering to community regulations, ultimately affecting residents’ welfare.
He expressed gratitude for the acceptance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the Great Council of Chiefs, underscoring its importance for our local people.
The government is also vigorously pursuing many strategies to uplift issues concerning the indigenous communities in the present time, focusing on enhancing their economic welfare and providing support to local businesses and associations.
Three major pillars underpin the government’s initiatives to enhance the economic resilience of our region: strengthening the economic foundation of our area, empowering local residents, and ensuring good governance and transparent services.
The Prime Minister noted that these initiatives are rooted in the improvement of governance and empowerment of community members, with a primary focus on supporting indigenous people.
The meeting discussed various development strategies aimed at bolstering local health services, particularly enhancing the general outpatient department in Korovou and improving health facilities in Nausori and Dogo in Nananu.
It was announced that 75 youth organizations exist within the province, with a request for further support to enable these organizations to better serve local communities, benefitting from necessary government departmental assistance.
In the agriculture sector, it was reported that 48% of residents are engaged in agriculture, focusing on the cultivation of taro, dalo, yam, yaqona, ginger, turmeric, kumara, and pineapple.
The establishment of an ice plant in Natovi is also in consideration, along with 738 fishing licenses and 144 aquaculture licenses within the province, while significant mahogany resources exist in Nukurua and Sawakasa, as well as plantations in Wainibuka and Dawasamu.
The government has allocated $3.2 million to the rural and outer island development initiative aimed at supporting local landowners.
Spanning several crucial topics relevant to our communities, discussions highlighted the need for more dialogue on key issues including climate resilience, preparations for natural disasters, and the importance of cultural preservation.
The government leader reaffirmed the imperative of safeguarding our natural resources and utilizing them appropriately for the benefit of the community.
Feedback on these developments is encouraged through the provided contact email.