Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said the more than $107 million invested in the Tailevu Province last financial year extended power supply and water access, supported micro, small and medium enterprises, and launched demand-driven agricultural projects in rural and outer island communities.
“In Tailevu alone last year, more than $3 million went towards ginger, cocoa, vanilla, dalo, yaqona, potato, rice, and land development for agricultural purposes,” he said, while addressing the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting in Silana Village yesterday.
“That produce isn’t all destined for Fijian markets. If we only sought to meet domestic demand, the local prices of produce will fall even further.
“Instead, we’re looking to put fresh Fijian produce –– and value-added Fijian-made agricultural products –– on shelves around the world.
“There are other opportunities out there; opportunities that can’t always be spotted from an office in Suva.
“On the ground, in the communities you serve, including here in Silana Village, those paths to development and prosperity are clearest. When it comes to community level development, the Government I lead is committed to supplying every Fijian with the essentials; water, electricity, major roads, even street lighting and large-scale projects that only Government can deliver like bridges and airports.”
