Prime Minister Rear Admiral Voreqe Bainimarama has completed his tour of the Lau Group.
He visited the islands of Vanuavatu, Komo, Namuka-i-Lau, Ogea and Vatoa this week. These are the remaining islands he did not visit on his last tour of the island group.
Accompanied by the Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Jiko Luveni and senior government officials, the Prime Minister and his delegation held talanoa sessions with the islanders on various developments needed in their villages.
Prime Minister Bainimarama, on his visit to Vatoa Island yesterday, assured villagers of government’s assistance on several issues.
“Government will assist in the payment of the fare for pregnant women and their food while they are going to deliver their unborn babies in Ono or any other hospitals so that both mother and child remain healthy,” Rear Admiral Bainimarama said.
He added there were initiatives introduced by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Welfare to look after the wellbeing of pregnant women from rural areas.
Rear Admiral Bainimarama reassured villagers that Government would look into the replacement of their generator motor.
“We will look at the replacement of the generator motor on Vatoa and technicians will be sent to do repairs,” Rear Admiral Bainimarama said.
While on his visit to the island of Ogea, Prime Minister Bainimarama assured villagers that Government would help in the issue of flooding in their village.
“And we will send experts to come and assist you,” he added.
Both ( Ogea and Vatoa) villages will be provided more water tanks and improved shipping services.
“Government is in the process of getting three vessels to cater for the need of shipping services to these islands,” the Prime Minister said.
Vatoa Turaga ni Koro (headman) Nacanieli Gu said he appreciated the visit by the Prime Minister and his government delegation.
“This visit by the Prime Minister is highly appreciated because he has shown his commitment to serve the people and look after the welfare of the people here on the islands and addressing the issues that we face,” Mr Gu said.
Similar sentiments were shared by the Mata ni Yanuyanu of Ogea, Jimilai Kotobalavu, who was thankful for the assurances by the Prime Minister during his visit to the island.
“I am thankful to the Head of Government who took it on himself to visit us and saw what we are facing,” Mr Kotobalavu said.
MINFO