Members of the Shiri Sanatan Dharam Ramayan Mandali in Korovuto, Ba, now have greater peace of mind following the completion of a fencing project funded through a $13,012 government grant.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts Charan Jeath Singh commissioned the fencing project, which was funded under the Ministry's Multi-Ethnic Community Development Grant Programme.
The temple has served the community for more than 61 years, but the lack of proper fencing had raised security concerns following several break-ins.
Temple pundit and community member Ritesh Sharma says the temple had been broken into two to three times, with thieves stealing sound systems, musical instruments and other valuable items.
Sharma says most members of the mandali are farmers who could not afford to fund the fencing project themselves.
He says securing the temple had been a long-standing dream for members, and the government's assistance has made it a reality.
Sharma has thanked the Coalition Government for providing assistance to grassroots religious organisations to improve their facilities and preserve their religious and cultural traditions.
Meanwhile, Singh says protecting religious institutions is an important part of preserving Fiji's cultural heritage and strengthening communities.
He says temples and mandalis play an important role beyond religious worship, as they bring families together and help pass on cultural and religious values to younger generations.
Singh adds that the new fencing will provide greater security for the temple and create a safer environment for devotees, families and visitors attending religious, cultural and community activities.
