The Tailevu Provincial Council is working on a long-term strategic plan that aims to tackle the issue of kava overconsumption in the province. Council chairman Rusiate Tudravu noted that grog drinking continues to be a significant challenge for the council. He emphasized the concern regarding the excessive consumption of yaqona, stating that it is an ongoing issue that will be addressed in their strategic planning discussions.
Tudravu pointed out that there is an abundance of land in Tailevu, but the challenge lies with the youth, who are often engaged in excessive grog indulgence. While the council cannot entirely prevent people from drinking kava excessively, they are promoting a healthier lifestyle and encouraging moderation in its consumption.
He stressed the importance of not depending solely on government support for revenue and highlighted the need for initiatives within the villages to create assistance. Tudravu expressed the notion that time should not be predominantly spent on kava drinking.
These comments come on the heels of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s request to traditional leaders in Tailevu to monitor their own kava intake and guide their communities in doing the same. Rabuka highlighted that kava consumption is linked to Fiji’s persistent issues with noncommunicable diseases.