Minister for Local Government Parveen Kumar, with the Marama Tui Ba, Adi Laite Koroirua, officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony of the new Ba Women’s Development Centre yesterday.

The $498,000 centre, which is being funded by the government of Japan, is being constructed at the Market Grounds in Ba.

Mr Kumar said: “This is a significant occasion, especially for the many here that have been personally involved in shaping the development of this initiative.

“This is also solid evidence of the commitment of the people of Japan to making real improvement in the lives of our women.”

Mr Kumar confirmed that two specialists will also be provided by Japan to get the training rolling.

He also acknowledged the Ba Town Council and the Ba Women’s Forum in this partnership arrangement.

“The centre will provide training programmes to upskill and empower our women in their production and business management,” he said.

“It will ensure the marketing of your products locally and internationally with the unique brand and identity of Ba.”

He said the development would lift the standard of living, alleviate poverty and advance the status of women in the Ba district.

“I am optimistic that those who go through training at this centre will serve as positive role-models for women.”

The minister urged the women of Ba to take advantage of this opportunity to further develop and enhance their economic opportunities.

The development will start in two weeks time and will be completed in a year.

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