Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama opened the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting at Naisausau Village in Namara, Tailevu yesterday.

While addressing members of the council, representatives of various organisations and civil servants, the Prime Minister expressed his delight to be amongst members of his home province.

“What a pleasure it is to be in Tailevu. After 13 Council Meetings across the country, it feels right to wrap up this journey in my home province,” he said.

“I am not here in any political capacity. I am here in my role as Prime Minister to share the story I have shared all year at every meeting I have opened,” the Prime Minister assured members of the provincial council.

“It is a story about the best years in Fiji’s history, the years in which we’ve transformed the country for the better, overcome the greatest challenges we’ve ever faced, and defined Fiji’s voice in the world like never before. It is a story we can and must keep writing by keeping to the course we’ve set together.”

The Prime Minister said that Tailevu had been part of the national journey every step of the way and received its fair share of progress.

“Yes, Tailevu is my home Province. That has no bearing on why you have enjoyed such unprecedented levels of development.”

“In response to your development aspirations, from 2014 until 2021, my Government has invested more than $272 Million into Tailevu Province.”

“More than $79.4 Million was allocated for social pension programmes, poverty alleviation initiatives, and disability programmes to protect those who have needed protection most.”

“Government has utilised $31.5 Million on infrastructure development, including upgrading the Waidalice Bridge, the Cautata-Waicoka Road, Kiuva-Kaba Road, Nadali Bypass, Kasavu Road Rehabilitation, Natila Road, Visa and Anijioki Road, and Namata Village access road and crossings.”

“Government also recognises the need for improvements in our air services, and that is why $54 Million was used specifically for the renovation of the Nausori International Airport,” said the Prime Minister

“Though costly, our commitment is firm – we will do whatever is necessary to connect our communities to the best available services. We will bring the Government and its services to you, the people of Tailevu,” he further said.