Residents of Nukuloa Settlement in Cakaudrove and the Turaga-ni-Yavusa have raised concerns about the lack of drainage and development in rural water supply for their communities over the past many years.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad has assured the residents that work has commenced and that various allocations have been made in this financial year to address these issues.
Professor Prasad says one such allocation is the Ground Water Assistance Program under the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, with over $5 million allocated to drill boreholes around Fiji.
During the stakeholders meeting, Professor Prasad acknowledged the Yavusa's interest in participating in agriculture and development simultaneously.
He elaborated on the Government's plans and the focus of the National Development Plans, emphasizing the importance of getting the basics right, along with three-year, five-year, and 20-year plans.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that there are additional allocations made under the Ministry of Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs for small-scale community projects.
He adds the increased allocation made for the first time to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to assist indigenous communities in various ways.
The residents thanked the Government for various assistance provided, particularly the $200 Back-to-School assistance and new initiatives such as fertilizer and weedicide subsidies.
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