iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu says a $1,058,812 grant from the Japanese Government will enable the construction of a 100-bed furnished dormitory and three new classrooms for the Centre of Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD) in Nadave.
Officiating at the signing ceremony last week, he said the project would improve the boarding and classroom capacities for students from the 14 provinces of Fiji and Rotuma enrolled at the centre.
“The centre is very unique in its set up, primarily focusing on rural empowerment and development,” Mr Vasu said.
“At the recent opening of Parliament by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, he announced a review of the iTaukei legislation and infrastructure in order to deliver our mandate effectively and efficiently through our iTaukei institutions.
“The proposed review will upgrade it into a modern institution that delivers an innovative and relevant curriculum that addresses and provides practical solutions to modern day problems,” Mr Vasu said.
“This contribution by the Government of Japan is indeed a major boost to the centre for applied technology developments mandate to develop relevant technologies that address real life issues. “The Fijian Government is indeed grateful for this kind and timely contribution.”
Japanese ambassador Kawakami Fumihiro said this would be the 416th Grassroots Grant Assistance project in Fiji and marked the first time the Government of Japan was assisting the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
“I understand that the new coalition Government has identified improving the economic position of the iTaukei and lift living standards of villages and settlements as a major policy goal,” he said.
“Generally one Grassroots Grant Assistance project funding is worth up to $200,000 but to begin a new co-operation with Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, this project is specially arranged to be five times the amount of a normal project,” the ambassador said.
