Government has put in place development programmes on Rotuma to improve livelihood and attract income generation.

This was revealed to the islanders yesterday during Rotuma Day celebration by Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and National Disaster Management, Joeli Cawaki.

He said developments by Government to improve the island and the livelihood of people started few years ago.

“Government has improved the roads around the island, the Oinafa Jetty, repaired and upgraded Rotuma Airport and building of the new Rotuma Hospital has started,” Mr Cawaki said.

“It has also boosted a number of government services like Immigration, Customs, Bio-Security and Ports Authority to enable Rotuma to become a recognised Port of Entry into Fiji.”

He said Government had provided a 20-foot (six metre) freezer to the Rotuma Export Market Company (REMCOL) to raise the standard and quantity of food produce.

“We have transferred 71 cattle to provide better supply of meat and milk, upgraded water supply by drilling more boreholes to ensure the consistent supply of fresh water.”

He said Rotuman students now enjoy the various education initiatives introduced by Government like free tuition fees, free milk and Weet-Bix.

“We urge you to take advantage of these opportunities and be part of Government’s vision in setting the platform for a knowledgeable prosperous society,” Mr Cawaki said.

Chairman of the Council of Rotuma, Terani Rigamoto asked Mr Cawaki to convey their sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.

“For all things that the Government has done for us in the past and in the present, and for all the things that is yet to come, to all the blessings we can only say keimami sa karoni dina. (We have been well looked after),” Mr Rigamoto said.

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