A businessman who offered a plot of land to the Government for 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 inspect the proposed site next to the supermarket in Vunika, Labasa.
Mr. Chand, originally from Labasa, 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 proposal, the company would build the center while the ministry would provide the necessary manpower for its operation. Dr. Lalabalavu noted that this partnership benefits the Government, the ministry, the company, and the communities in Labasa. “It will alleviate infrastructure concerns for the ministry as it will be constructed and maintained by the company,” he said. “We look forward to finalizing the agreement details to proceed with this essential project.”
Mr. Chand mentioned that he had briefed Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima and Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Jovesa Vocea about the project earlier this year. “Being from Vunika, I want to give back to the community and the people I serve,” Mr. Chand said. “The community needs medical and policing services, and we are taking the lead in starting this project.”
He will submit all necessary documents to the ministry soon to expedite the legal process.