Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management

💧 𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐘𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐖𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈

𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈 - Villagers of Vatusekiyasawa in the district of Rakiraki, Ra, are now enjoying improved access to clean and safe drinking water following the commissioning of the Vatusekiyasawa Village Water Project by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐯𝐮, today.

Funded under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management's 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟 - 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 (𝐒𝐇𝐏) at a cost of over $40,000, the project is expected to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of villagers by ensuring a more reliable supply of clean water.

The project directly benefits more than 400 villagers, including 82 households.

In commissioning the project, Hon. Bulitavu highlighted that access to clean water was a basic necessity and a key driver of sustainable rural development. He said the project demonstrated Government’s commitment to improving essential services for rural communities and ensuring that no one was left behind in national development.

-𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒-

𝐓𝐄𝐍 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑

𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈 - Waking up in the early hours of the morning to fetch water from a nearby river for drinking, cooking, and bathing will now be a thing of the past for 10 families in Vunidralagaci Village in the district of Nalaba in Ra.

This follows the commissioning of the Vunidralagaci Water Project by the Minister for 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐯𝐮.

The project will provide villagers with improved access to a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply, significantly enhancing the quality of life for households that have depended on a nearby creek for generations.

Father of three, Mr. Serevi Bainivalu, whose family is among the 10 beneficiaries, expressed his gratitude to the Government for addressing one of the community’s longstanding challenges.

“Today is a very exciting day for us as we witnessed the completion of this important water project. For years, we relied on a nearby creek to fetch water for daily use. It had been like this since our forefathers. But from today onwards, our lives have changed for the better, and I would like to thank the Government, especially the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, for helping us gain access to safer and quality drinking water,"said Mr. Bainivalu.

The water project was funded through an allocation of more than $37,000 under the Ministry’s 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟 - 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 (𝐒𝐇𝐏).

While commissioning the project, Minister Bulitavu said the Government remained committed to ensuring that no community was left behind in accessing essential services.

*"Access to clean and safe water is a basic necessity and a fundamental component of healthy and resilient communities. The commissioning of this project reflects the Government’s commitment to improving the well-being of our people, particularly those living in rural and remote areas,"* said Hon. Bulitavu.

“This project is an investment in the future of Vunidragalaci. It will improve daily living conditions, promote better hygiene and sanitation, and provide peace of mind for families knowing that safe water is available close to their homes.”

-𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒-

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐀 𝐖𝐈𝐃𝐎𝐖

𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈 - Tears of joy flowed today for 55-year-old Ms. Ruci Dreu of Nativi Village in the district of Nalaba, Ra, as she officially received the keys to her first-ever home from the Minister for 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐯𝐮.

Ms. Dreu, a widow and mother who suffered a stroke several years ago continues to face mobility challenges to this day. She is the latest recipient under Scheme 4 of the 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐑𝐇𝐀) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞.

The newly completed house, valued at more than $36,000, was fully funded by the Government under Scheme 4 of the RHA Programme. The scheme targets persons with disabilities, single mothers, senior citizens, vulnerable groups, and social welfare recipients who require assistance with the construction of new homes.

An emotional Ms. Dreu expressed her gratitude, saying today marked the end of years of hardship and uncertainty.

“I requested this housing assistance because we were living with other families and it was hard. There were no peace of mind and no sense of belonging. Today, I am very, very happy to have my own home and I am thankful to the Government and the Rural Housing Programme for enabling someone like me to have my own home,” Ms. Dreu said.

“I can’t fully put into words this feeling of finally owning my own home to live in with my children. We are just grateful and thankful that we now have our own safe space to call home.”

Speaking at the project handover, Hon. Bulitavu said the Government was committed to ensuring that vulnerable members of society had access to safe, secure, and dignified housing.

“Today is more than the handing over of a house; it is the restoration of dignity, security, and hope for Ms. Dreu and her family. Every Fijian deserves a safe place to call home, and through the Rural Housing Assistance Programme, we are ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly those facing significant social and economic challenges,” said Hon. Bulitavu.

“The Government will continue to invest in initiatives that improve the quality of life of our rural and maritime communities. Seeing the joy on Ms. Dreu’s face today is a reminder of why these programmes matter and the positive impact they have on the lives of our people.”

The Rural Housing Assistance Programme continues to provide critical support to eligible families across Fiji, helping improve living standards and strengthen community resilience through safe and secure housing.

-𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒-

𝐇𝐎𝐍. 𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐔 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐀𝐊𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐔𝐁𝐔, 𝐑𝐀

𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈 - Residents of Talakei Settlement and Namarai Village in Nakorotubu, Ra, now have safer and more reliable access to essential services, markets, and economic opportunities following the commissioning of two Community Access Roads by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐯𝐮.

The Talakei Community Access Road and the Namarai Community Access Road Projects were funded through the Ministry’s 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬, 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 (𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐅𝐅) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 at a total cost of $100,000, with each project receiving an investment of $50,000.

The projects were officially commissioned by Hon. Bulitavu during a visit to the district today, where he met with community members and witnessed firsthand the positive impact the completed roads would have on the daily lives of residents.

The Namarai Community Access Project serves Namarai Village and its population of over 340 people living in 49 households, while the Talakei Community Access Project benefits 286 residents across 39 households in Talakei Settlement.

For years, residents relied on poorly maintained access routes that became difficult to navigate during periods of heavy rain and adverse weather conditions. The upgraded roads now provide improved connectivity to the main highway network, enabling easier access to schools, health facilities, markets and other essential services.

Hon. Bulitavu said the projects demonstrated Government’s commitment to ensuring that development reached rural communities and that no Fijian was left behind.

"Community access roads are more than just roads. They are pathways to opportunity, economic growth and improved quality of life. They connect our people to education, healthcare, markets and government services while strengthening the resilience and productivity of rural communities," said Hon. Bulitavu.

"For communities such as Talakei and Namarai, reliable access is essential. Farmers need roads to transport their produce, families need roads to reach schools and health centres, and communities need roads that remain accessible during challenging weather conditions. These projects help address those needs and support sustainable development in Nakorotubu."

In addition to improving mobility, the projects are expected to enhance socio-economic development by promoting equitable access to services, creating greater opportunities for income generation, and reducing transportation challenges faced by rural households.

The projects are aligned with the National Development Plan’s objective of ensuring sustainable living standards and resilient communities and contribute towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-being and No Poverty.

Community members welcomed the completion of the projects, noting that the improved roads will significantly ease travel, particularly for school children, farmers, the elderly and families requiring access to health and emergency services.

-𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒-

𝐇𝐎𝐍. 𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐔 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐂𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄

𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐈 - Villagers of Verevere in the district of Nakorotubu, Ra, no longer have to endure the difficult journey of walking nearly two kilometres to seek safety during disasters and emergencies following the commissioning of their newly retrofitted evacuation centre by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐯𝐮.

The upgraded facility was funded through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management's 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 at a cost of $50,000. This investment by Government is expected to provide a safe and secure shelter for more than 280 residents of Verevere Village during times of disaster.

For years, the community faced significant challenges after their previous evacuation centre was damaged during Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016. Since then, villagers have relied on Nakorotubu District School as their nearest evacuation site, requiring families to travel long distances on foot, often under adverse weather conditions, to reach safety.

Verevere Village Headman Mr. Simione Koroicakau expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Government for responding to the community’s long-standing need.

"The previous evacuation centre was damaged during Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston and since then we have had to walk at least two kilometres by foot to Nakorotubu District School to seek shelter during any disaster or emergency," said Mr. Koroicakau.

"These past few years have been difficult and challenging, especially for our women, elderly, children and those living with disabilities. Today marks the beginning of something greater for our village as we come together to witness the completion of this new facility by the Government. We are very grateful for this assistance and for providing our people with a safe haven during times of need."

Hon. Bulitavu said the commissioning of the evacuation centre reflected the Government’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and ensuring that vulnerable communities had access to safe and resilient infrastructure.

"The safety and wellbeing of our people remain a priority for Government. No family should have to risk their lives or travel long distances in dangerous weather conditions to seek shelter," said Hon. Bulitavu.

"This evacuation centre will be a place of refuge, protection and hope. It represents our commitment to ensuring communities are better prepared to face the increasing impacts of natural disasters and climate-related events."

-𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒-

𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐔𝐄𝐃

The Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) advises the public that the 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭.

We thank all Fijians for their cooperation and urge the public to continue to stay informed via official channels.

𝐇𝐎𝐍. 𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐔 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐈 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 📍

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐯𝐮 was briefed by Assistant District Officer (A/DO) Namarai Mr. Luke Toka on key development needs, ongoing projects and priority issues affecting communities across the district in Ra.

The briefing provided an opportunity for Hon. Bulitavu to gain insights into the needs of rural communities, ongoing development initiatives, and areas requiring further Government support and intervention.

Hon. Bulitavu is in the Western Division this week as part of a series of official visits to commission and hand over key rural development projects aimed at improving the livelihoods and resilience of communities. These projects include initiatives under the Ministry's Rural Housing Assistance Programme, water and infrastructure developments, and other community-based projects designed to enhance access to essential services and create economic opportunities for rural families.