Saqani district in Vanua Levu’s Cakaudrove province is moving ahead with a self-driven development push, outlining a five-year plan to boost the local economy and education while tapping into the region’s tourism potential through the Na Vualiku framework.
The Saqani Tikina Suva Committee, formed earlier this year, has drafted a five-year blueprint titled Saqani Y-11 Strategic Vision 2030 to guide all district developments. Committee chairman Osea Golea says Saqani is rich in untapped natural resources and has scenery ideal for tourism, but these assets remain largely unexplored. He signaled a desire to align with the Fiji Government’s Na Vualiku Tourism Development Plan, which prioritizes large-scale tourism attractions and infrastructure, while also addressing gaps in education.
In a key community-building effort, the Suva committee, in collaboration with the Saqani district, is organizing a two-day carnival-bazaar at Furnival Park in Toorak on October 9–10. The event will be sponsored by Vanua Levu-based hardware company A. Hussain & Co. Ltd. Hamzah Hussein, the company’s business development manager, described the sponsorship as part of the firm’s social responsibility to support local communities in the North. He noted that part of the funding would go toward Saqani High School’s 2025 renovations and improvements to four primary schools within the Tikina next year. “Education is the foundation of a vibrant country, and our sponsorship helps students achieve greater things and contribute to national development,” Hussein said. The festival aims to raise about $40,000, with proceeds earmarked for renovating Saqani High School and building four teachers’ quarters.
Contextual backdrop: The broader Na Vualiku project is a multi-year, government-backed initiative to transform Vanua Levu into a robust tourism hub. Recent coverage highlights progress on a northern Fiji Integrated Tourism Master Plan, funding and infrastructure plans, and efforts to empower local communities and women within the tourism sector. The World Bank supports Na Vualiku with substantial funding intended to upgrade infrastructure, improve environmental and social safeguards, and boost private-sector participation. Plans also emphasize improving air connectivity, expanding visitor facilities, and developing community-based tourism that benefits residents directly. The initiative is presented as a regional step toward sustainable, inclusive growth for the Northern Division.
What this could mean for Saqani: If the Saqani Y-11 plan dovetails with Na Vualiku’s framework, the district could accelerate both education improvements and tourism development through community partnerships, private-sector involvement, and targeted investments in infrastructure. The concerted fundraising effort for Saqani High School and teachers’ housing demonstrates a hands-on approach that could serve as a model for other Tikina communities seeking to complement national programs with local action.
Potential next steps include finalizing the five-year strategy, securing additional partnerships, and aligning the Saqani Day festival outcomes with broader Na Vualiku milestones. Close coordination with government and private partners will be crucial to ensure funds translate into durable benefits for students, teachers, and local tourism ventures.
Summary: Saqani district is launching a five-year development plan, prioritizing education and tourism under the Na Vualiku framework. A two-day Saqani Day carnival-bazaar, sponsored by A. Hussain & Co. Ltd., aims to raise funds for Saqani High School renovations and four teachers’ quarters, signaling a proactive blend of community initiative and national development programs.
Key takeaways:
– Saqani Y-11 Strategic Vision 2030 targets education improvements and tourism development within the Na Vualiku framework.
– Saqani Day festival on October 9–10 aims to raise about $40,000 for school facilities and housing for teachers.
– The Na Vualiku project, supported by the World Bank, focuses on infrastructure, private-sector involvement, environmental safeguards, and community empowerment in the Northern Division.
– Local partnerships and community-driven fundraising are being positioned as complements to national tourism and development agendas.
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