The villages of Nasau, Naivuniivi and Veidrala will be able to receive medical assistance following the commissioning of the Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) improvement healthcare facility at Nayavuira Nursing Station in Ra.
Officiating at the event on Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu stressed the importance of quality health facilities in communities.
“We are thankful to the government of Korea for funding this project worth over $US1million ($F2.25m) to cater for nine WASH facilities in the province of Ra,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
He said UNICEF would implement the respective projects, however, the onus was on community members to take care of the facilities.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Jin Hyung Kim said the project was funded by his government and implemented by UNICEF.
“It is expected to contribute to improving the health of Nayavuira villagers by providing them with clean water, safe sanitation and healthcare,” he said.
“Fiji and Korea have been very close friends for the past 54 years and have maintained close relations. Fiji has always supported Korea in the international community.”
Mr Kim said the government of Korea was currently carrying out various development cooperation projects worth $US72m ($F161m) in Fiji.
UNICEF representative Jonathan Veitch said the milestone achievement also marked the restoration of water supply, increased storage capacity and separate toilets for women, men, and those living with disability as well as constructed hand-washing stations.
“No longer will children and families endure long boat and road journeys to Rakiraki for basic medical care as essential health care services should now be available closer to your doorstep,” he said.
Mr Veitch said mothers could give birth in clean safe surroundings and children could receive their vaccinations and treatment with clean running water from taps.
“This means healthcare workers can do their jobs with confidence knowing they’re well protected.”
