NGOs care more than the Government - Kusitina

Villagers of Namosi have raised concerns over the lack of government stakeholders visiting villages in the interior of Namosi and conducting awareness programs regularly, however, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka says the Assistant District Officer based at the government station in Dada, Namosi, regularly visits villages in the Namosi district for consultations.

Namosi villager Maria Kusitina says it has been evident in their experience that non-governmental organisations appear to be more caring than the government.

The 40-year-old says NGOs visit their village at the end of every month to check on their water tanks, ensure cleanliness, and address other issues, whereas the government only visits once a year.

She adds challenges they face are the lack of clean water, and they request the government to assist by providing chlorine for purification.

Kusitina also highlighted that government officials should not only visit their villages in the lead-up to elections to assist.

Minister for Rural Development Sakiasi Ditoka says the report from the Assistant District Officer indicates that discussions were held on drainage issues, and visits were also made to several applicants for the Rural Health Unit from both last year and this year.

The National Budget will be delivered by Professor Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance on the 27th of this month.