Voreqe Bainimarama
NEMANI DELAIBATIKI
and MINFO NEWS
Lau islanders have praised Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Voreqe Bainimarama for visiting them and addressing their needs.
The turaga ni koro (headman) of Vatoa, Nacanieli Gu said: “This visit by the Prime Minister is highly appreciated because he has shown his commitment to serve the people and to look after the welfare of the people here on the islands and addressing the issues that we face.”
The mata ni yanuyanu (delegate) of Ogea, Jimilai Kotobalavu, said: “I am thankful to the head of Government who took it on himself to visit us and saw what we are facing.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by other islanders who were happy to see the country’s leader visit them and promise to attend to their needs.
Mr Bainimarama left on Sunday and returned to Suva yesterday after visiting the islands of Vanuavatu, Komo, Namuka-i-Lau, Ogea and Vatoa this week.
These are the remaining islands he did not visit on his previous tour of the group.
Mr Bainimarama assured Vatoa islanders that Government assistance would come to them on several issues.
“Government will assist in the payment of fares 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,” Mr Bainimarama said.
He added there were initiatives introduced by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Welfare to look after the well-being of pregnant women from rural areas.
He reassured villagers that Government would look into the replacement of their generator motor.
“Technicians will be sent to do repairs,” he said.
In Ogea, he assured villagers that Government would help to prevent flooding in their village.
“We will send experts to come and assist you,” he said.
Mr Bainimarama said Ogea and Vatoa would be provided more water tanks and improved shipping services.
The development discussions happened during the talanoa sessions where the islanders raised their needs.
Mr Bainimarama was accompanied by the Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Jiko Luveni, and senior Government officials.