THE district of Saqani in Vanua Levu’s Cakaudrove province has embarked on a mission to drive economic development within its area without waiting for Government assistance.
The Saqani Tikina Suva Committee formed early this year has mapped out a five-year strategic plan in its manual entitled “Saqani Y-11 Strategic Vision 2030” for all developments within the district.
Committee chairman Osea Golea said Saqani has so much untapped natural resources and ideal scenery for tourism but has not been fully explored.
“We’d like to take advantage of the Fiji Government’s Tourism Development Plan ‘Na Vualiku’ which prioritises large-scale tourism attractions and infrastructure,” Mr Golea said.
“There is also a significant gap in education, which is an area we’d like to begin from,” Mr Golea said.
In consultation with the committee from Saqani district, the Suva committee will for the first time in 20years organise a two-day carnival-bazaar at the Furnival Park in Toorak from Oct 9-10, which will be sponsored by Vanua Levu’s own hardware company A. Hussain & Co. Ltd.
Company business development manager Hamzah Hussein commended the initiative stating that it was part of their company’s social responsibility to assist local communities in the North.
“As part of our company’s social responsibility to our community, we’re happy to assist Saqani district with their project to improve education at Saqani High School in 2025 and the four primary schools within the Tikina next year.
“We believe that education is the foundation of a vibrant country, and our sponsorship assists these students to achieve greater things in life and contribute national developments,” Mr Hussein said.
The committee targets to raise $40,000 from the two-day Saqani Day festival bazaar with funds earmarked to renovate the Saqani High School and build four teachers quarters.