President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has urged the traditional leaders and district representatives of Macuata not to rely heavily on the Government for development but to utilise the resources they have in abundance, like the land and sea, to raise funds for development.
While opening the Macuata Provincial Council meeting at Nabubu Village in Namuka, Ratu Wiliame said that while the Government is doing its part, the responsibility is on the resource owners to strive towards developing the province.
He says they have the largest traditional fishing ground in Macuata, tourism opportunities and even land, yet they are not utilising it well.
He adds that a strategic development plan must be set out for the next five to 10 years, and when launched, it should not be changed, so they can work towards a common goal.
The President says it is high time that they utilise the abundant resources they have to generate income so they can improve the financial situation in their local communities.
He says they must diligently carry out their responsibilities in ensuring that they develop and build Caumatalevu so the future generation will have all they need to succeed.
Ratu Wiliame also urged the traditional leaders to continue from where their predecessors had left off in building and developing Caumatalevu.
