Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says today marks another phase in the rebirth of Koro Island, four and a half years after Tropical Cyclone Winston flattened nearly every structure on the island and laid waste to most of what the people of Koro had built through years of hard work.
Bainimarama highlighted this while commissioning the newly built $3.5 million Nakodu Mudu Primary School and other new facilities in Koro Island.
He says Fijians are no strangers to hard times and adversity and they are strong people by nature and by necessity.
The Prime Minister says that he sees that strength in the people of Koro.
Bainimarama says despite the brutal impacts of Cyclone Winston the people Koro are still here.
He says Winston did not destroy Koro and it did not destroy Fiji - it made us stronger, smarter and even more resilient than ever.
Bainimarama says today they dedicate the new buildings and the reconstruction that are the physical representations of this rebirth and of the invincible spirit of the Fijian people and the people of Koro.
He says the Nakodu Mudu Primary School was destroyed by TC Winston, and since then the 112 children who attend this school have had their lessons in Mudu village, but now they have their new school, and it is built to withstand whatever another Winston may deliver.
Bainimarama says if another cyclone like Winston comes again, we know that this school will be standing the next day, when the winds die down and the morning sun shines.
The Prime Minister also commissioned the repaired Nasau Police Post and newly rebuilt staff quarters, the staff quarters for the Nasau Health Centre, the new Koro District Administration Office and the Koro Agriculture Office and staff quarters.
Bainimarama says the infrastructure is now in place to ensure that these communities have the Police protection, education, health services and agricultural extension services that they require and deserve.
The Prime Minister also handed over two new fiberglass boats with engines for the fishermen in the communities of Navaga and Namacu, and solar-powered freezers to allow them to store their fish.
He says reliable storage will mean less waste, and less waste means more money in their pockets, greater food security and less stress on our fisheries.
