People call for access and continuity of water supply in many areas

The signs are clear that many people are asking for one of the most basic needs to be supplied by the authorities, which is continuous water supply. Access and continuity in the supply of clean water remain a prominent issue in most areas during the Ministry of Finance organised National Development Plan consultations.

People are also calling for better access to health care by establishing more 24-hour facilities.

There have also been calls for timely bus services, and increase in bus fare subsidies and social protection programs.

Other issues raised in the consultations include land reclamation for residential lot development, upgrade of road infrastructure, as poor roads delay the carting of water, and access to electricity through rural electrification program.

Suggestions have also been made in the Central Division consultations for the development plan to include investment in sporting facilities, drainage, agriculture productivity, youth unemployment, littering and environmental conservation, review of the minimum wage rate, impacts of climate change, upgrade and extension of community halls, construction of village libraries, installation and maintenance of roads, road accessibility and installation of street lights.

To ensure gender equality, people attending the Ministry of Finance organised National Development Plan consultations in the Central Division, have requested that primary and secondary schools in Fiji must provide opportunities for both girls and boys, equally to participate in sports.

They have also stressed the importance of sex-education for students, saying it is also paramount in addressing the issue of increase in cases of violence.

During one of the consultation sessions, the students of Rishikul Sanatan College requested government to consider scholarships in the areas of Information, Communication and Technology as this will be a catalyst to accelerate economic growth in Fiji.

They have also called for the introduction of E-learning platforms in schools that would assist in the transitioning from secondary to tertiary education and suggestions were made for increase in training and education in the rural areas.

The residents of Nabudrau Village in Rewa requested government to prioritize the coastal erosion and protection works, as saltwater silting is a major challenge and if a proper survey and scoping of village boundaries and the Rewa delta is undertaken as a step towards addressing the issue.

Residents on Bau island have emphasized the need for heritage sites to be recognized, preserved and maintained.

They have also requested for a police post on Bau island and the review of fishing rights.

Eleven sessions are planned for today.

They are in :

Central Division • Namadai Methodist Hall - 2.00pm to 4.00pm • Marist Champagnat School, Vatuwaqa - 5.30pm to 7.00pm • Samabula Primary School - 6.00pm to 8.00pm • Wailea Methodist Church - 6.00pm to 8.00pm • Waidamudamu Learning Centre - 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Western Division • Mataiwailevu Village Hall - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Nokonoko Village Hall - 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Northern Division • Koroivonu Village Hall - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Tukavesi Hall - 1.00pm to 3.00pm

Eastern Division • Keteira, Moala, Lau Group • Nasoki, Moala, Lau Group