WITH more than 40 percent of Fiji’s population living in rural areas, improving rural infrastructure is not just a priority but a necessity, says Rural and Maritime Development Minister Sakiasi Ditoka.
Officiating at the Bila Community Road Access project in Nadi this week, Mr Ditoka reminded the community that infrastructure developments aimed to ensure no Fijian is left behind.
“Connectivity through roads, footpaths and footbridges is a critical issue that touches the very heart of our rural communities,” Mr Ditoka said.
He acknowledged the financial support of more than $150,000 from the UN Development Programme’s Governance for Resilient Program in the Pacific which enabled the successful completion of the project, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to sustainable and resilient rural communities.
“This remains one of the key priorities of the Government.
“There is an urgent need to develop infrastructure that supports inclusive growth and is resilient to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.
“The work of building resilience cannot be done in isolation and demands collective effort and commitment. It is when we work together that we are able to build better, we build smarter, and we build stronger.”
