Thirteen public consultation meetings held yesterday, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, shed light on critical concerns across Fiji’s Central, Western, and Northern Divisions.

Central Division:
Residents of Nameka Village voiced the need for road upgrades to Natuva Village and highlighted challenges with fare subsidies for transportation to schools. They also emphasized drainage improvement, vetiver grass implementation for landslide reduction, and empowerment programs for women. The relocation of flood-prone schools and increased access to markets for rural farmers were also discussed.

Raralevu Village applauded the inclusive approach of the government in formulating the new plan, while drainage issues remained a recurring topic across various meetings.

In Davuilevu, concerns were raised about connectivity to outer islands, the construction of bridges, and the need for evacuation centers. Residents also cited transportation infrastructure and traffic congestion as pressing issues.

Western Division:
At Ba Sanatan College, students expressed concerns about transportation issues, inconsistent water supply, and the need for community sports outreach programs. Benai/Koronubu communities highlighted water scarcity and infrastructure upgrades as top priorities.

Northern Division:
Issues in the Northern Division included a lack of awareness about government programs, rising living costs, and the need for basic infrastructure upgrades such as rural roads and drainage systems.

These consultations provide valuable insights for the formulation of Fiji’s new National Development Plan, ensuring it addresses the diverse needs and challenges faced by communities across the country.

(Information was sourced from the Government of Fiji)