Ditoka says culture of dependency has been developed in the last 16 years while Seruiratu disagrees

Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka says the government should change the mindset of the people as for the past 16 years, a culture of dependency has been developed while Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu has disagreed and says it is important the government creates an environment for rural Fijians.

While delivering his ministerial statement, Ditoka says dependency on the government drains resources that could be better allocated towards efforts for poverty reduction and investing in education for the future generation.

He says there needs to be a concerted effort between government partners in the private sector towards building capacity for rural and maritime citizens in themselves, make productive use of the resources they own, reinvest in their communities and contribute in economic growth.

He further says as part of the rural and outer island development programs and decentralization of services and to curb rural to urban drift and transforming the landscape of communities, the Ministry plans to strengthen the guidelines and frameworks for rural developments in the next 12 months which will be done through a consultative approach not only within government but with all key stakeholders.

Seruiratu says rural development is essential and there is a huge potential in rural Fiji and therefore it is important the government creates the environment for rural Fijians.

He says there are constraints and challenges but they as leaders and planners must convert it into opportunities.

Seruiratu says the huge potential and opportunities can only be realised when government creates the environment for rural people.