Government is not the only source of funding that villagers can access to ask for help.
This was the message given by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka to villagers of Nakorovou in Serua.
“There are several organisations like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and Australian Aid that can fund and finance village development projects,” said Mr Ditoka while commissioning the Nakorovou water scheme.
“I implore everyone to remember that government looks after the needs of every citizen and not just one village.
“While it is government’s duty to undertake development, let’s not forget that financing of development projects will depend on the availability of funds.
How quickly the government responds to development requests, will also depend on the severity of the request.
“We all have a role to play and sometimes, we can’t always depend on government for help.”
Mr Ditoka said some villages have electricity and good roads while others do not enjoy the same.
“If you have the means to undertake development projects yourselves, then government won’t stop you.
“But having a comprehensive detailed development plan can and will help secure funding.”
Nakorovou Village headman Kolinio Vucago thanked the government for their help in enabling water access for their community.
“We used to drink from boreholes, but it was unreliable and not consistent,” said Mr Vucago.
“A dam was then constructed by our elders, but a waterborne disease infected our villagers before habitat stepped in to construct another dam, but that too got affected by the logging taking place in the area, so we’re thankful that we now can access clean drinking water.”
