The Kadavu settlement in Tavua has acknowledged the Fijian Government for its commitment in assisting rural communities.
This follows the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar’s swift response in enabling the community access proper water supply. During her first visit to Kadavu settlement in April this year, Minister Akbar was informed that women had faced challenges in accessing safe water supply.
To address this concern, the Ministry of Women has assisted the community with new water tanks which was commissioned by Minister Akbar during her official visit to Kadavu settlement yesterday.
Minister Akbar said that the assistance reflects the Government’s commitment to rural development.
“Water is a basic need for women and children, last time I came here I was told that women have to go down to the river to collect water for their washing and cooking. The Ministry is informed that your settlement is included in the government’s water projects for next year, but meanwhile, these water tanks will be of great help for you to store clean drinking water for your families.
“This assistance marks the beginning of our partnership to improve the lives of your families. Rural women also have great economic potential and my Ministry will look at ways you can be assisted through income generating projects. You have a very caring government that will continue to reachout and work together with you to enhance opportunities for development in your community,” Minister Akbar elaborated.
Speaking on behalf of the women in Kadavu settlement, their president Mrs Esita Waqa has thanked the government for addressing their plight.
“There are 15 women in our village and they work hard to support their families. These women look after their families and also help the men in farming. During rainy days, we have a tough time going to the river to collect water, however, that would be a problem of the past now that we have these water tanks. We thank the government for recognizing our challenges; I have lived here for the last 20 years and this is the first time for me to see a Minister come this far to help us.
“We look forward to working closely with the Ministry to establish new income generating projects for our women’s groups particularly in starting a poultry and bee keeping farm for our women,” Mrs Waqa said.
Spokesman for Kadavu community, Timasi Waqa said the assistance from the Ministry will benefit 16 families.
“We thank the Bainimarama government for its commitment to initiate development projects in rural areas. This is the first government project in our settlement and we are happy that, government has always kept the interest of rural people at heart,” Mr Waqa added.
The community was relieved to find solutions to a challenge that they have burdened with for the past 20 years.
DEPTFO