Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama reiterated that the Fijian Government’s mission is to make Fiji a stronger, more united, and more compassionate country where no Fijian is left behind.

While delivering his keynote address in the iTaukei language at the Lomaiviti Provincial Council meeting in Levuka, the Prime Minister said every decision made is centered around that commitment.

He said when they go to the world to make Fiji’s voice heard on critical issues like climate change, they do so to give every Fijian community a fighting chance at their best future.

In highlighting government’s assistance towards Lomaiviti from 2014 to 2021, Prime Minister Bainimarama said that government has delivered $126.3 million in development and services to the province.

For this, he said government has spent more than $24 million on roads in Ovalau, Koro, and Gau with continous expansion and maintenance on roading network in Lomaiviti.

“We’ve invested in the basic building blocks of development –– like clean water and sanitation. The Water Authority of Fiji has spent $3.79 Million in Lomaiviti, including on the Moturiki Water Project and the rural water schemes in Gau, Nairai, Batiki, Koro and Ovalau. I understand that the Moturiki Water Project will be completed by the end of this month. And the Department of Energy has spent $4.44 Million on solar home systems for over 1,600 homes throughout the Province”, the Prime Minister added.

Additionally, another $4.2 million has been spent in the province to fund the social pension scheme, poverty benefit scheme and disability scheme and an allocation of $2 million has been set aside for the new Levuka Market Project with another $600,000 in funding from UN Women.

Prime Minister Bainimarama further revealed that government has also assisted the province with shipping services and improved communication networks, forestry and agricultural development projects and assistance, to name just a few .

“Digital connections are just as important –– which is why we’ve prioritised communication in your Province and across the country, and we are partnering with service- providers to bring this service to you. Vodafone has spent $3.25 Million over the last 4 years to upgrade its communication network in Wakaya, Levuka, Tokou, Naigani Island and Koro Island”, Prime Minister Bainimarama said.

The Head of Government, at the same time, highlighted that we are in a strong financial position to continue delivering on our development agenda.

Prime Minister Bainimarama also reiterated that the iTaukei land and the rights of the iTaukei people are well protected. He stated “Not only have we protected your land, we are finding ways to increase its value and ensure the benefits of land leasing are enjoyed equitably by your community members –– including women and young people. We’re reforming the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) to improve administrative efficiency and, as a result, the value of your land. Recently, I officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony of two new subdivisions in Vuda and Tavua”.

He also urged the vanua to ensure vacant leadership roles are filled, and also reassured the people of Lomaiviti that no one from the province will be left behind.