Residents of Savusavu are calling for immediate investment in essential infrastructure, particularly focusing on roads, hospitals, and basic services, amid accusations that local authorities prioritize luxury tourism over community needs. During the Savusavu Meet the Public and Meet the Press Forum, community members expressed their frustrations about the poor state of roads, the dust created by unpaved surfaces, and limited access to healthcare facilities. One resident from the Nukubalavu Road area openly criticized the government’s priorities, demanding more attention to everyday community needs.
Setareki Dakuibola, a Division Planning Officer for Northern Fiji, responded by indicating that existing infrastructure plans derive from previous government strategies, aiming to address both rural community development and tourism growth. He emphasized the need to balance the two, stating that their infrastructure goals continue from prior administrations while also seeking to improve conditions for local inhabitants.
Nevertheless, residents are increasingly vocal about wanting genuine engagement and results, rather than mere promises that seem to favor high-end resort developments. This sentiment echoes that of community leaders like Shankar Singh, chairman of the Savusavu Town Council, who previously highlighted the town’s ongoing issues such as faded road markings and broken streetlights, calling for action from authorities.
The demand for better infrastructure is not isolated; other communities across Fiji, including village residents in Naitasiri, have echoed similar sentiments, voicing their concerns about inadequate roads affecting agricultural practices and market access. As Fiji prepares for upcoming budget announcements, there is hope that these calls for change will resonate with policymakers, leading to constructive investments that can improve community livelihoods and foster a more sustainable future for all, ensuring that development meets the needs of residents while also attracting potential investors.
This alignment of community and government interests could lead to significant improvements in Savusavu, contributing to a more balanced and responsible approach to development that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens alongside economic growth.
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