Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, carried out a visit to two settlements in the Ra province, specifically the Culanuku and Naqaqa communities, to discuss their needs and concerns. During her visit, she acknowledged the residents of Culanuku who requested an evacuation center and timber resources from their local mahogany plantations. Bainivalu emphasized the importance of community effort in this process, noting that their offer to provide gravel from a nearby river is a positive start towards achieving their goals.
In Naqaqa, villagers expressed a need for rural electrification. In response to the community’s agricultural ambitions, Bainivalu provided plotting bags and shalon shade to support their community nursery, highlighting the potential for these initiatives to generate income if the community puts in the necessary work.
The Minister also engaged with the communities about several programs aimed at sustainability and development, including tree planting initiatives, chainsaw training, and opportunities in fish and prawn farming. She stressed that real change requires both dialogue and active participation from the local communities.
This visit aligns with prior initiatives by Bainivalu to ensure sustainable resource management in the region, as seen in her emphasis on sustainable land and fisheries practices during previous speeches, including at the Ra Yaubula Day. These efforts are part of the government’s broader commitment to enhancing economic opportunities and promoting environmental stewardship within Fiji.
Overall, this engagement between Minister Bainivalu and the communities of Ra province reflects a hopeful pathway towards sustainable development, emphasizing the role of local involvement in fostering economic resilience and environmental responsibility.
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