Finance, Commerce and Business Development Minister Esrom Immanuel has lauded the people of Naitasiri Province for their unity and commitment to development, using the spotlight of a provincial soli at Naqali District School to outline fresh government assurances on education, infrastructure and youth opportunities. Immanuel made the remarks during the presentation of the kamunaga ni qaloqalovi, stressing the province’s longstanding contributions to Fiji’s progress and its strategic role as a major producer of electricity and water.
Addressing chiefs, community leaders and residents at Naqali, Immanuel acknowledged Naitasiri’s natural resources and the resilience of its people, noting the province has become home to many families who have chosen to build their lives there. He said that inclusive communities and local initiative are central to unlocking broader social and economic gains for the region.
A central theme of the minister’s address was the need to sustain and deepen unity and cooperation across villages, schools and local leadership to advance education and sustainable development. Immanuel argued meaningful progress depends on collective effort from communities, leaders and families working toward shared goals, with education singled out as a priority area for coordinated attention.
Immanuel also gave a clear assurance that Naitasiri would be considered fairly in the distribution of development opportunities. He said the government is committed to strengthening education systems, improving infrastructure and creating pathways for youth to succeed — commitments that signal potential follow-up planning or funding for schools, roads and services in the province.
Looking ahead, the minister urged communities to embrace investment opportunities and to support initiatives aimed at growing the local economy, suggesting Naitasiri’s production of electricity and water could be leveraged in future development plans. His call framed local cooperation and outside investment as complementary drivers for jobs and services for young people.
The minister’s remarks come as the national government pursues a heavy development agenda in the 2024-25 budget and ongoing rural development consultations, which have recently highlighted infrastructure shortfalls in other parts of Fiji. Representatives from island divisions such as Lomaiviti and Lau have previously pushed for improved water supply and roads during consultations for the National Rural Development Plan, underscoring the broader demand for tangible infrastructure outcomes across the country.
Immanuel closed by urging Naitasiri leaders and residents to back community projects and private investment, reinforcing the message that provincial unity and active local participation will be key to converting promises into visible improvements in education, infrastructure and opportunities for youth.
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