With financial backing from the World Bank, the Coalition Government is making significant investments aimed at securing the future of the people in Vanua Levu. This sentiment was expressed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the official launch of the “Na Vualiku Program” at Wasawasa Lodge in Savusavu last night.
The launch also saw the presence of World Bank Fiji Country Manager Stephano Mocci, along with several Cabinet Ministers including Viliame Gavoka, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sakiasi Ditoka, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Maciu Katamotu, the Minister for Local Government, Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, and Ifereimi Vasu, the Minister for iTaukei Affairs.
Prime Minister Rabuka commended the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation for its leadership in implementing this transformative program. He noted that in the last 18 to 20 months, more than 10 companies have invested in various projects in Vanua Levu, as reported by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad.
The Prime Minister highlighted the World Bank’s commitment of $400 million over the next decade, aimed at fostering economic growth in the Northern Division. He stressed the importance of developing transparent and consultative policies to create an investor-friendly environment, including necessary infrastructure developments that will greatly enhance the economy of Vanua Levu.
Rabuka emphasized the government’s commitment to a robust strategy for improving the economy, people, and future prospects of Fiji. He pointed out that statistics show half of Fiji’s population now lives in urban areas, with rural-urban migration being a common global challenge.
He stated, “However, our efforts to address this lie in what we can do as a Government and as a development partner for our people.” With over half of Fiji’s population under the age of 30 and approximately 63% of the Northern Division’s population between the productive ages of 15 to 64, Rabuka noted that this demographic presents a substantial opportunity to leverage the country’s natural resources and workforce for growth and development.