Lau Provincial Council Chairperson Akapusi Tuifagalele says the council is taking the issue seriously and wants to hear from Police on the recent incidents as leaders continue discussions at the Provincial Council meeting.
Tuifagalele says the first full day of the meeting, following its official opening by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu yesterday, focused on a number of issues that will shape the future development of the province and improve the lives of the people of Lau.
He says the council heard from the Commissioner's Office, which outlined development plans for the province, including a $23 million commitment for projects in Lau.
Tuifagalele says Yatu Lau Company Limited also presented its proposed five-year plan, which includes purchasing one or two vessels to strengthen sea transportation across the islands, one of the province's biggest challenges.
He says the company also plans to establish a cooperative and set up three warehouses in Lakeba, Vanua Balavu and Moala to serve the three major island groups.
The Chairperson says the initiative will allow people in Lau to buy groceries, hardware and other essential supplies closer to home instead of travelling to Suva, with the company delivering goods directly to the warehouses.
Tuifagalele also welcomed the return of the shipping services in Lau, saying it is helping improve transport around the islands.
He says the meeting also concluded with the launch of a partnership between Conservation International, the Fiji Development Bank and Lau Province to support small and medium enterprises.
Tuifagalele says the Fiji Development Bank will provide assistance to entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand businesses, while Conservation International will also support development initiatives across the province.
He says tomorrow's programme will include presentations from more government ministries and agencies, with provincial representatives expected to take the information and outcomes back to the 13 districts in Lau.
Tuifagalele also acknowledged the leadership of the Turaga na Tui Nayau, saying the province is beginning to see positive results from the direction being provided.
He says the Tui Nayau reminded the council that there has been too much planning and not enough action, stressing that the focus must now be on more work and less talk.
