A businessman who offered a piece of land to the government for the operation of a health center and police post has impressed Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu.
Last Friday, Dr. Lalabalavu met with Vuo Supermarket Pte Limited managing director Jitendra Chand to review the proposed site next to the supermarket in Vunika, Labasa.
Mr. Chand, who is originally from Labasa, initially began the multimillion-dollar Vuo Supermarket project in 2018.
“Since taking office, we have considered partnerships between the private sector and the ministry,” Dr. Lalabalavu said.
In this case, the company proposes to build the center, while the ministry would provide the necessary manpower for its operation.
He stated that this partnership is a win-win situation for the government, ministry, company, and the communities in Labasa.
“In this way, it will reduce the ministry’s burden regarding infrastructure as it will be built and maintained by the company,” he said.
“We look forward to the details of the agreement so we can finalize the partnership and commence this much-needed project.”
Mr. Chand mentioned that he had previously briefed Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima and Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Jovesa Vocea about this project earlier this year.
“I am originally from Vunika, and I want to give back to the community and the people I serve,” Mr. Chand said.
“The community here needs medical and policing services, and we have taken the lead role to initiate this project.”
He will soon send all necessary documents to the ministry to expedite the legal process.