The Commissioner of the Central Division and representatives from nine line agencies convened with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, to address growing shared development concerns highlighted by local District Advisory Councilors.
Key issues discussed included improvements to drainage systems, maintenance of non-FRA roads, a looming water supply crisis, and increasing rates of illegal drug use. The meeting was held at the Commissioner Central’s Office in Nausori.
Professor Prasad emphasized the importance of regional intervention in combating the country’s drug problem. He called for collaboration among parents, educators, community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to effectively tackle the drug crisis.
District Advisory Councilors were tasked with identifying schools and residential areas where drug access is prevalent and were encouraged to relay this information to law enforcement and relevant authorities overseeing these high-risk areas.
To tackle the concerns raised during the meeting, Professor Prasad proposed the formation of a regional inter-agency coordination body. He stressed the need for regular meetings to ensure that issues are systematically addressed by the government.
Professor Prasad also acknowledged the information briefings provided by the line agencies and the Central Division Commissioner’s Office.