The lack of effective governance in Melanesian settlements across Fiji has been identified as a significant barrier to community development. This issue was brought to light by Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiusa Tubuna, following a survey funded by the government and conducted in 2023 by the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS).
Mr. Tubuna highlighted that the governance challenges observed in Melanesian areas are also present in numerous iTaukei villages and communities, indicating a widespread issue in community leadership and management. He emphasized the necessity for a governance structure that aligns various activities within these communities towards a clearly defined communal goal.
“The challenge lies in communities expressing their difficulties and effectively communicating these to their councils for resolution,” Mr. Tubuna stated. He expressed that the absence of governance often results in chaotic and arbitrary decision-making processes within the community, including failures to keep accurate records during meetings or address crucial strategic concerns, which can hinder further development.
Furthermore, Mr. Tubuna pointed to the capability of local leadership as another contributing factor. He stressed the vital role of education in nurturing future leaders who can assume governance responsibilities within their communities. “Without governance, community development is adversely affected. I sometimes attribute this to a lack of capacity among people, reinforcing the importance of education,” he explained. “It is essential for everyone to pursue education so that when the younger generation matures, they are equipped to take on leadership roles.”
He reassured that the Government is dedicated to collaborating with communities to tackle these challenges. Mr. Tubuna reiterated the necessity of a systematic approach to development, founded on coherent community plans and objectives. He assured that the Government, alongside FCOSS and other stakeholders, is extending its support to help establish these frameworks and is taking the matter very seriously.
As efforts are made to strengthen governance structures and improve leadership quality in these communities, there is hope that education and collaborative initiatives will foster a brighter future for community development in Fiji. This proactive approach could lead to more organized, empowered communities capable of addressing their own challenges effectively.
In summary, the call for structured governance and educational initiatives could ultimately lead to enhanced community development throughout Fiji, presenting an optimistic outlook for future progress.
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