After a five-year break, the 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival has made a triumphant comeback, bringing together the lively Nasinu community in a celebration that goes beyond simple festivities. This year’s festival emphasizes its commitment to social advancement and community cohesion.
Nasinu, which is Fiji’s largest municipality, covers 78.4 square kilometers—twice the size of Suva and home to over 120,000 residents, as noted by Nasinu.org.fj. The town council manages seven wards, each facing unique challenges. The festival has emerged as an important platform for addressing critical issues such as drug-related problems, unemployment, childcare, and elder care.
In a recent interview, Felix Magnus, the Special Administrator chair of the Nasinu Town Council, discussed the festival’s broader objectives. He noted that a recent survey of informal settlements revealed many elderly residents are left alone during the day. Magnus announced plans to construct Nasinu’s first retirement home.
“We have identified a piece of land and are collaborating with the Ministry of Lands to secure the necessary approvals before involving stakeholders. This festival focuses on the elderly, and we appreciate the chance to create a safe space for them in Nasinu,” he stated.
The council is also aware of the increase in unsupervised children, and plans for a state-of-the-art childcare center are in the works to support single mothers by providing a safe environment for their children.
“We are in discussions with a significant partner who has committed to this project. By establishing this facility, we aim to alleviate the burden on single mothers, ensuring their children are well cared for during work hours,” he added.
Addressing drug use, Magnus revealed that the council is proposing early intervention hubs to offer support and training for youth in Nasinu, aiming to prevent drug-related issues from worsening. He emphasized that the Nasinu Festival is vital to these initiatives.
“These early intervention hubs will supply essential assistance to those in need. We are in talks with educational organizations, service providers, and Polytech to facilitate training for our youth. Additionally, we are collaborating with major developers in Nasinu to create job opportunities,” he said.
As the festival unfolds, thousands of Fijians gather at the Nasinu grounds each night to enjoy delicious food, entertainment, and rides. The event also acts as a vibrant platform for local vendors, allowing them to showcase their products. Vendors from throughout the municipality are seizing this opportunity, further enhancing the lively atmosphere and supporting the local economy.
Interviews conducted with vendors revealed the festival’s dynamic spirit. For Adi Vasemaca Maria and her group from the HART communities in the Suva-Nausori corridor, the festival is more than just a celebration; it is vital for their economic survival. “Participating in festivals and events like this is a way for us to earn money. As a group, we have been doing this for the last six years,” she stated.
“We offer a variety of items and are confident we will sell everything by the end of this week’s festival,” she added. Similarly, 72-year-old vendor Sumasafu Faktaufon sees the festival as a crucial opportunity for income and suggests that more affordable food options could attract a larger number of attendees.
“We just arrived this morning and hope to sell all our handicrafts before the festival ends. Sales are slow during the day, but I’m sure they will pick up at night. Meals should be offered for five dollars; most meals here are priced at $10 and above, which is not affordable for everyone,” she mentioned.
As the 2024 Nasinu Festival concludes, it not only celebrates the vibrant culture and spirit of the town but also serves as an essential platform for tackling pressing social issues faced by the growing population of Nasinu. The festival’s return symbolizes the community’s resilience and unity.