Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama opened the Kadavu Provincial Council Meeting at Tavuki Village on the island of Kadavu yesterday (4/07/22).

In his address, Prime Minister Bainimarama outlined the #Fijian Government’s assistance for the province of Kadavu throughout the years in terms of infrastructural development, free education, and medical assistance to name a few, for $55.6m from 2014 to 2021.

He stated that the construction of roads and bridges on the island received the highest amount of assistance at $23m. The Fijian Government had also provided $8.63m in education funding for the province – this also included purchasing boats and engines for the transportation of school students.

He commended villagers who have set up businesses around the island using the available resources in Kadavu, one being Mr Taniela Kama of Tavuki Village, a farmer who uses organic fertiliser on his farm and also supplies fresh eggs to different village shops around the island.

“The Tavuki villager has been farming for the last 10 years and was assisted by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2011 with a shed, 300 layer birds, and chicken feed to kick-start his poultry business, valued at $26,000,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.

He encouraged villagers to venture into farming vegetables such as lettuce, ginger, broccoli, and livestock farming, as these are profitable for the local and overseas markets.

The people of Kadavu were also reminded of the dangers of substance abuse and the use of marijuana. The head of the Fijian Government also urged village elders to continue to remind their people of the effects of consuming such drugs. Commissioner of Police, Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, who was also present, advised those present to be vigilant in being aware of the utilisation of their land.

The village of Tavuki now has proper running water, which was commissioned by Prime Minister Bainimarama yesterday (4/07/22).

The meeting was in Tavuki Village with representatives from the different districts on the island of Kadavu.