With the financial backing of the World Bank, the Coalition Government is working not just to use resources but to invest in the future of the Vanua Levu community. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shared these insights during the official launch of the “Na Vualiku Program” at Wasawasa Lodge in Savusavu last night.
World Bank Fiji Country Manager Stephano Mocci was present at the event, 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.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation for leading the initiative’s implementation. He highlighted that over the past 18 to 20 months, more than ten companies have invested in projects on Vanua Levu, as noted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad.
The World Bank has pledged $400 million over the next ten years to support economic growth in the Northern Division. This commitment aligns with the government’s goal of fostering an investor-friendly environment through the establishment of transparent and consultative policies, which includes essential infrastructure and additional support activities to significantly enhance the Vanua Levu economy.
Rabuka emphasized a comprehensive approach aimed at uplifting the economy and the populace’s future, noting that currently, about half of Fiji’s population lives in urban areas, a common challenge seen globally.
He remarked that addressing these challenges hinges on what the government and its development partners can do for the people. With a notably young population, where over half are under 30 and 63% of the Northern Division’s population is within the productive age range of 15 to 64, Rabuka sees this demographic as a vital opportunity to leverage the country’s rich natural resources and human capital for growth and development.