Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) member, Anare Vadei, says there are specific development needs in the Lomaiviti Group.

In his maiden speech yesterday, he outlined the needs:

– Road upgrading in Gau, Ovalau and Koro Islands;

– Airstrip upgrade in Koro and Gau to allow for bigger planes; and

– Delay in the building of jetty and wharf in Gau and Nairai.

He also called for a review of staffing and   pharmaceutical supplies in the health centres and hospitals in the Lomaiviti  Group.

He wanted Government to provide return tickets for patients who were referred to Suva or Levuka on an emergency basis.

As for education, he pointed out that five secondary schools in the Lomaiviti lacked the proper facilities to deliver quality education.

Part of the solution, he said, was to recognise the role of traditional leadership and the sacrifices they had paid.

“We also need to recognise the importance of the role that the indigenous  traditional leadership   play  in our society.

“This nation carries the scars and hallmarks of their sacrifices in the last two world wars, the Malayan campaign, Lebanon, Sinai, Iraq and now Syria.

“They deserve respect in their own land,” he said.

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