After a lapse of three years, 13 mataqali finally gathered at Nasautoka Village in Rewa on Saturday for their soli ni yasana 2022-2023 in celebration of Lomanikoro Totoka Day.
Organising chairman Napolioni Silatolu said despite the rain and flooding on Friday night, he was thankful for the great turnout.
“There was a lapse of two years due to COVID so we encouraged all villages to come and contribute because we are giving on behalf of everyone,” Mr Silatolu said.
He said apart from soli ni yasana which is held every year, they also contributed towards the upkeep of their villages, soqosoqo vakamarama projects and youth projects.
“But this year is special because it is dedicated to the youths as they did the veiqaraqaravi vakavanua with the theme tou ia, tou viria na bai ni koro.”
Head of mataqali Yavusavasu, Nemani Bureso said each mataqali and yavusa collected their levy on Saturday.
He was thankful to the members of the yavusa and mataqali for the turnout and the contributions they made. Vunivalu of Rewa, Ro Aca Mataitini said there may be differences within the vanua and the Lomanikoro in the past but the villages are now trying to come together as one.
“This soli is all for the development of Lomanikoro and when we talk about development, the government provides what it has to provide but as villagers, we also need to take part and contribute and this is our contribution,” Ro Mataitini said.
“The occasion was joyous as most of the villagers were meeting after two years due to the pandemic.”
The total amount raised on Saturday was $22,640.
