The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized the significance of regional cooperation in addressing the problem of illicit drug use in schools and communities. He made these comments during a meeting with the Commissioner of Central Division and nine associated agencies, where they discussed common developmental challenges highlighted by District Advisory Councillors.
Professor Prasad urged parents, educators, community leaders, and religious figures to collaborate in the fight against drug issues. The District Advisory Councillors present were tasked with identifying schools and neighborhoods vulnerable to drug access and were instructed to provide relevant lists to law enforcement and other agencies regarding these high-risk areas.
The meeting also covered various pressing issues, including the high rate of school dropouts, domestic violence cases, homelessness, enforcement of the minimum wage, waste management costs, operations at Nausori Health Centre, fertilizer subsidies, and the Natovi jetty.
Regarding the enforcement of the minimum wage rate set at $4.50, Professor Prasad warned that businesses failing to comply would face strict consequences. He advised the Ministry of Employment to initiate monitoring sessions with employers in the division to ensure adherence to this regulation.
Additionally, Professor Prasad proposed the establishment of a regional inter-agency coordination body to address the issues raised by stakeholders and agencies during the forum. He stressed the importance of holding regular meetings to ensure that concerns are managed and resolved promptly by the government.