THE alarming rise in drug-related issues on Kadavu has emerged as a key concern for the Kadavu Provincial Council, with its leaders pledging a coordinated community and government approach to the problem.
Council chaiman Isikeli Vuniwaqa said they were taking concrete steps to tackle the issue.
“Basically, from yesterday until this morning, the focus has been on development,” Mr Vuniwaqa said.
“But pertinent issues that have arisen out of discussions from last year’s minutes and some critical issues coming up now are the prevalence of drugs on Kadavu.
“That has been a topic of discussion that has taken a bit of time.”
Mr Vuniwaqa said the council discussed strategic interactions that the people of Kadavu would take up with the Government.
He said the province’s efforts hads been assisted by international partners in setting up anti-drug initiatives.
“We have set up committees with the assistance of the United Nations, and we have set up new crime prevention committees all over Kadavu to keep watch on the issue of drugs.
“It also includes the vanua and the churches.
“The churches have just completed a week-long prayer session for the people of Kadavu in their bid to contribute to the reduction of drugs in the province.”
