CAPTION: Dr Nakamoto explains the processes of Ecological Purification System (EPS) during the workshop at Holiday inn.
1. FIJI FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS Timor Leste – Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola is currently in Dili, Timor Leste to meet with the country’s leaders on bilateral issues pertaining to the lead up to the Melanesian Spearhead Group’s silver jubilee this year.
2. PURIFICATION SYSTEM TO PROVIDE SAFE DRINKING WATER – Rural communities will soon have access to clean and safe drinking water when the new ecological purification system will be installed in all the water systems, to remove germs before water is consumed.
3. VOLUNTEER SCHEME EARMARKED FOR PNG and Timor Leste – This week, government officials in Papua New Guinea and East Timor will be briefed on the Fiji Volunteer Service (FVS) and the benefits it can provide in assisting the development efforts of the two countries.
1 FIJI FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS Timor Leste
Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola is currently in Dili, Timor Leste to meet with the country’s leaders on bilateral issues pertaining to the lead up to the Melanesian Spearhead Group’s silver jubilee this year.
Minister Kubuabola is visiting MSG member countries in his capacity as the chairman of the Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) of the MSG.
Ratu Inoke this morning met with his Timor Leste counterpart Jose Luis Guterres in a meeting at the Timor Leste’s Foreign Affairs office.
The Foreign Minister also took time to brief HE Guterres on the recent developments in Fiji and the lead up to democratic elections in 2014.
At the meeting, the two ministers discussed issues pertaining to the strengthening of bilateral ties as well as MSG issues.
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2 PURIFICATION SYSTEM TO PROVIDE SAFE DRINKING WATER
Rural communities will soon have access to clean and safe drinking water when the new ecological purification system will be installed in all the water systems, to remove germs before water is consumed.
This project will involve a comprehensive partnership between Fiji’s Ministry of Works and the Japan International Cooperation Agency commonly known as JICA.
Speaking at the one day workshop for this project, the Ministry’s permanent secretary for Works Mr Frances Kean reassured participants of government’s commitment towards the provision of providing quality services to the rural communities in Fiji.
In support for this vision, the Ministry of Works, Transport and Public Utilities has recently formulated a rural water and sanitation policy.
This policy has been endorsed by cabinet and is now in force. The provision of rural water and sanitation projects are to comply with this new policy,” the permanent secretary said.
“Providing clean and safe water to the rural communities in Fiji is paramount in this new policy at the same time this technology used has to be suitable for rural community settings.”
Mr Kean highlighted that most rural communities continue to source drinking water from creeks, rivers which is has become concern and has prompted authorities to improve water sanitation.
“About 70 percent of population drink water directly from creeks and river sources which are most vulnerable to contamination,” he said.
Meanwhile JICA’s deputy representative Yuataka Fukase said this system is currently utilised in Japan where there is no basic water treatment.
“This program is earmarked to eventually benefit the rural community and help Fiji move closer to achieving its commitment under the Millennium development goal of enhancing the basic right to safe drinking water and basic sanitation,” Mr Fukase said.
Department of water and sewage is expected to begin with the first phase of installation later this the week at Kalokolevu and Navutulevu villages with onsite training provided to the villagers.
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3 FIJI VOLUNTEER SCHEME EARMARKED FOR PNG and Timor Leste
This week, government officials in Papua New Guinea and East Timor will be briefed on the Fiji Volunteer Service (FVS) and the benefits it can provide in assisting the development efforts of the two countries.
Public Service Commission permanent secretary Mr Parmesh Chand said that the opportunity to promote the FVS in Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste is an indication of the relevance and sustainability of the program.
“Government officials from PNG and Timor Leste had shown interest in the FVS program in 2012 when they came for the Engaging with the Pacific Leaders Meeting that was held at the Westin International Hotel in Denarau.”
As part of the presentation to the respective governments, officials were informed of the terms and conditions, entitlements for volunteers, latest dispatch of volunteers to the region and the number of Pacific island countries who have expressed interest in engaging FVS Volunteers.
Mr Chand said that the concept of volunteering under the FVS was all about nation building and participating in programs in society that will bring about civic pride and patriotism on the part of individuals who are involved.
MINFO