Ba Provincial Council plans to establish community-level task forces to tackle rising illicit drug use, while also preparing communities for the potential impact of Super El Niño on crops and water supplies in the Western Division.
Ba Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Meli Tora says these were two of the major issues discussed at the council meeting, with further work to be carried out before proposals are submitted to the relevant authorities.
Tora says the council has agreed to strengthen crime prevention programmes from the tokatoka level through to the koro, tikina and yasana.
He says task forces will be established within communities to address illicit drug use, with issues requiring further intervention referred to higher authorities, including the Fiji Police Force.
Tora says the spread of illicit drugs is deeply concerning because it is affecting young people who are expected to take responsibility for the province's future.
He describes the impact on the younger generation as resembling "bio-war" or "chemical war", saying he is particularly worried about the harm being done to those who will eventually lead their communities.
He says Ba's role as a hub for business, tourism and transport also raises concerns about possible routes being used to transport illicit drugs.
Tora says the council hopes to work with different tikina and organise a special day of prayer as part of its efforts to address the problem.
He is appealing to all young people living in Ba, regardless of their province of origin, ethnicity or nationality, to take responsibility for the future of the province.
Tora says the appeal is not limited to those whose names appear in the Vola ni Kawa Bula, but includes all youths who call Ba home.
He urges them to work together to reduce or stop illicit drug use, saying their future and that of generations to come are at stake.
Meanwhile, Tora says the council is also concerned about the potential impact of Super El Niño, with dry conditions already affecting parts of Ba.
He says sugarcane crops are badly affected and are struggling to grow, while other crops planted in the ground are also failing to grow well.
Tora says water levels in catchment areas, particularly dams, are declining, making it important for authorities to respond quickly.
He says the council plans to approach relevant government ministries for consultations and seek support for proactive measures to minimise the effects of the dry conditions.
Tora says communities in the Yasawa Islands are already requesting water from Lautoka, while farmers are seeking assistance with irrigation.
He warns that failing to support these communities and farmers could have wider economic consequences, as they contribute to the country's economy.
Tora says the council wants to ensure the concerns are addressed promptly to protect communities, livelihoods and the province's future.
