ELEVEN community-based organisations in Tavua yesterday received Mutli-Ethnic Grants worth $74,582.16 for development projects.
Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Charan Jeath Singh expressed confidence that recipient organisations would utilise the grants effectively to enhance their communities and promote unity.
“I trust that you will utilise these grants well, and I am hopeful that they will contribute meaningfully towards promoting social cohesion within your communities,” he said.
The minister said the funding would empower community-based organisations to strengthen their operations and deliver services that benefited the wider public.
He noted that several of the funded initiatives — including borehole construction, solar lighting, cemetery renovations, and temple projects — would address essential needs that may had been overlooked in the past.
“These are critical projects that directly improve the quality of life for our people and ensure that no community is left behind,” Mr Singh said.
Speaking on behalf of the Nasivi community, Anasa Harold acknowledged the positive impact the solar lighting initiative would make.
Mr Harold, who is president of the GP Boys Club, said limited lighting posed significant challenges for residents, particularly at night.
“It has been very difficult to move around after dark. There have been incidents where people were robbed while returning home from work or going to nearby shops,” he said.
He said the solar project would significantly improve safety and mobility within the community.
“This project will light up our community and allow people to move around at night without fear. On behalf of the Nasivi community, I sincerely thank the Government and the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs for this support.”
