The 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival has made a triumphant return after a five-year break, bringing together the Nasinu community in a celebration that emphasizes social advancement and unity. This festival, which takes place in Fiji’s largest municipality, Nasinu, aims to address various pressing social issues, including drug problems, unemployment, and care for children and the elderly.
Nasinu, covering 78.4 square kilometers and home to over 120,000 residents, has its town council managing seven wards, each with unique challenges. Felix Magnus, the Special Administrator of the Nasinu Town Council, spoke about the festival’s significant role during an interview. He shared insights from a recent survey highlighting that many elderly residents are often left alone during the day. As a solution, plans are in motion to establish Nasinu’s first retirement home.
Magnus noted, “We have identified a piece of land and are collaborating with the Ministry of Lands to secure the required approvals. This festival focuses on the elderly, and we appreciate the chance to provide them with a safe environment in Nasinu.”
He also mentioned the increasing number of unsupervised children and the council’s efforts to create a state-of-the-art childcare center aimed at assisting single mothers with a safe place for their children.
“We’re in discussions with a major partner who is committed to this project. By building this facility, we aim to alleviate the burden on single mothers, ensuring their children are well cared for while they work,” he said.
Addressing drug-related issues, Magnus proposed the establishment of early intervention hubs to offer support and training for local youth to prevent serious drug problems. He emphasized that the Nasinu Festival is integral to these initiatives.
“These hubs will provide essential assistance to those in need. We are engaging with educational institutions, service providers, and Polytech to provide training for our youth, while also collaborating with developers in Nasinu to create employment opportunities,” he added.
As the festival continues to attract thousands of attendees each night, featuring food, entertainment, and rides, it also serves as a vibrant backdrop for local vendors to display their products. Vendors from throughout the municipality have eagerly participated, enhancing the festival’s lively ambiance and bolstering the local economy.
The Fiji Times spoke with several vendors about their experiences at the festival. Adi Vasemaca Maria, representing a group from the HART communities, expressed that the festival is vital for their economic survival, stating, “Attending events like this is how we earn money. We’ve been doing this as a group for six years.”
Similarly, 72-year-old vendor Sumasafu Faktaufon sees the festival as an important income opportunity, suggesting that offering more affordable food options could attract a larger crowd. “We expect to sell all our handicrafts by the festival’s end. While daytime sales are slow, I believe evening sales will improve. Meals should be available for five dollars; most here are ten dollars or more, which is beyond the means of many.”
As the 2024 Nasinu Festival concludes today, it not only highlights the region’s rich culture and community spirit but also acts as a vital platform for tackling critical social issues faced by its expanding population. The festival’s revival embodies the community’s resilience and togetherness.