The National Rural Development Plan is undergoing significant changes aimed at fostering greater public involvement. The revised strategy moves away from a strictly division-based approach, striving for flexibility and inclusivity in development plans.
Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, highlights that recent consultations in the Eastern Division have been pivotal. Representatives from the islands of Lau, Levuka, and Kadavu have been provided with an opportunity to voice their needs and shape policies that accurately reflect their communities.
Vasu emphasizes that these island communities face ongoing challenges such as distance, limited access to essential services, climate-related vulnerabilities, and pressures on traditional livelihoods. He notes, “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to rural development. Solutions need to be tailored to local contexts and lived experiences.”
During the consultations, participants voiced critical concerns, particularly around the need for reliable access to clean water, improved road infrastructure, and essential internet services. Addressing these issues is imperative to ensure that rural communities are fully engaged and able to access the services they need.
By adopting this revised consultation approach, Vasu believes the final policy will reflect local realities more clearly, ultimately creating a development framework that is practical, responsive, and sustainable for both rural and maritime communities. This initiative not only aims to enhance living standards but also to empower communities by acknowledging their unique circumstances and needs.
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