The residents of Koro have been presented with a new chance to address their developmental and essential concerns. This opportunity arose when Justice Minister Siromi Turaga led a delegation of 40 members to the island last week. Mr. Turaga noted that this was the largest ministerial delegation ever to visit Koro, allowing villagers the chance to engage directly with Cabinet ministers.
During a talanoa session, the villagers highlighted the poor condition of the island’s roads, along with the pressing need for vehicle repair services. District officer Salanieta Baleigau reported that the roads were in disrepair, and vehicles frequently required maintenance. To address this, the Ministry of Maritime and Rural Development will establish the Naunu Tyre Centre project this financial year.
Ms. Baleigau explained that the island’s road conditions were well known, and many appeals for assistance had been made to the government. Repairing one vehicle often requires transportation to the mainland, costing owners between $500 and $600 one way. This led to the decision to prioritize a local repair facility to serve the 30-plus vehicles on the island.
Furthermore, Ms. Baleigau noted that the Fiji Roads Authority has allocated about $2.1 million for maintaining and improving infrastructure, specifically for the crossings at Namacu, Nabuna, Mudu, and Sinuvaca. She mentioned that the issue of road maintenance had been neglected for a prolonged period.
The need for more government vehicles to support local operations was a significant topic during discussions with Mr. Turaga. Ms. Baleigau pointed out that there was insufficient manpower, equipment, and vehicles for the FRA to perform its duties. She added that only four vehicles were available across all government departments on the island, including agriculture, health, and the police.
The health facilities are also suffering from staffing shortages. Three health centers, including Nacamaki, Nabasovi, and the main station in Nasau, face challenges with vacancies and limited personnel. The Nacamaki Nursing Station has been without a replacement worker, catering to the Mudu district, while the Nabasovi station was short-staffed for three months until a replacement was found.
Education remains a priority on Koro, with Koro High School achieving a remarkable 70% pass rate for Year 12 and 93% for Year 13 in last year’s national examinations. With a staff of 23, the school administration is striving for an 80% pass rate for Year 12 and a 100% pass rate for Year 13 this year.
Mr. Turaga commended the students’ achievements, urging them to set higher standards for future cohorts. Ongoing projects at the school include the chapel’s construction, supported by past students and parents. However, the school faces challenges, including a lack of playground space and the need for refurbishment of teachers’ quarters.
Plans for other developmental projects are in the works, including the Nabuna jetty, which aims to alleviate berthing issues and assist with main jetty operations during bad weather. Additionally, two American investors are planning to establish a five-star hotel in Nabuna, expected to enhance local economic activity and job opportunities. A proposed Koro Ice Plant and Fisheries Station will also be constructed this financial year at a site between Tavua and Nabasovi Village.