The people of Koro have been given a fresh opportunity to address developmental and other basic issues of concern to them.
That opportunity presented itself when Justice Minister Siromi Turaga led a 40-strong delegation to the island last week.
Mr Turaga said it was the largest ever ministerial delegation to visit Koro and allowed the islanders time to raise and discuss matters directly with the Cabinet ministers.
A key issue raised by the villagers during the talanoa session was the condition of the island’s roads.
There is also a need for vehicle repair and service on the island.
District officer Salanieta Baleigau said the road conditions were deplorable and vehicles were constantly in need of repair.
Now, under the Ministry of Maritime and Rural Development, the Naunu Tyre Centre project will be established in this financial year to cater to the vehicles on the island.
“We are already aware of the road conditions here on Koro and many requests have been made to the Government for assistance,” said Ms Baleigau.
“For one vehicle to receive repair and service, it has to be transported across to the mainland, and that could cost owners between $500-$600 one way.
“Sometimes they’d go once a year for service. That is why this project is prioritised to be established to cater for the 30-plus vehicles on the island.”
Road conditions to be maintained
Ms Baleigau said the Fiji Roads Authority has allocated about $2.1million this financial year to cater for the maintenance and upkeep of the crossings at Namacu, Nabuna, Mudu and Sinuvaca.
She said the issue of road conditions was ongoing and it had been neglected for a long time.
Fewer vehicles in government stations
The need for government vehicles to support governmental work on the island was also raised during the talanoa session with Mr Turaga.
Ms Baleigau said there was not enough manpower, equipment and vehicles for the FRA to carry out its work.
She said this was the same issue raised by all government stations on the island — agriculture, health and the police — and there were only four vehicles, one for each station.
“When one vehicle is taken across to the mainland for servicing, three are left to cater for all of us and the work that we do around the island.
“Sometimes they are all taken to Suva for maintenance, and that affects service delivery and productivity.
“The Ministry of Health vehicle was taken for servicing for almost the whole of last year.
“They had no vehicle the whole time because it was taken to various other islands before it was returned to Koro.”
Short staffed
There are three health facilities on the island — Nacamaki, Nabasovi and the main station in Nasau.
The Nacamaki Nursing Station is currently vacant and without replacement. This nursing station caters for the tikina o Mudu.
Ms Baleigau said the Nabasovi station was also vacant for about three months before its placement earlier this year.
“The one at Nasau is staffed with only one doctor and two nurses.
“The government administration is manned by me (DO), and the other staff is our driver. The Nasau Police Community Post contains six officers, and three are currently handling the Ministry of Agriculture.
“Sometimes our service delivery is affected, sometimes we do other department work; sometimes we barely have time for family.”
Education is a priority for Koro
The Year 12 and Year 13 of Koro High School did exceptionally well in the national examinations last year with a 70 per cent and 93 per cent pass rate for the respective years.
With 23 staff this year, the administration aims to achieve a higher percentage pass rate.
“The Year 12 aims for an 80 per cent pass rate this year and a 100 per cent pass rate for Year 13,” said DO Sala Baleigau.”
Mr Turaga applauded the students for their efforts in achieving the pass rate, setting a standard for incoming students to soar at unprecedented heights.
Prospects for Koro High School
The school chapel project is currently ongoing with the help of old scholars and parents.
Mata ni tikina Aporosa Kaunisega said this was an island initiative and not the Education Ministry’s.
However, another issue the school faces is the lack of playground space.
“The cadet program was done in Qalivakabau because there was not enough space,” said Ms Baleigau. “Sometimes the school has to look for a ground to carry out tournaments.
“There are sites available on the island, but to develop them is a challenge itself.”
Ms Baleigau also raised the issue of the teacher’s quarters as singles now have to share quarters.
She said buildings were available for refurbishment and that they needed to tap into funding sources.
Other development plans
The construction of the Nabuna jetty has yet to be confirmed although a feasibility study has been conducted.
Ms Baleigau said the construction of a jetty at Nabuna Bay would ease berthing problems and assist the Muanivanua jetty (main jetty) during unfavourable weather.
A five-star hotel is expected to be up and running soon as two American businesspeople have hopped on board to expand the Nabuna spot.
It is expected to boost economic activity and employment opportunities.
Ms Baleigau said a proposed project for this financial year was the construction of the Koro Ice Plant and Fisheries Station.
This project will be constructed at a site between Tavua and Nabasovi Village.
Development on Koro | Villagers discuss matters with the Cabinet ministers
