Wailevu Village headmen Senirusi Baleira has praised the Government’s National Development Plan consultations at various rural villages in Macuata this week.

Mr Baleira said he found the Government consultations very useful.

“This is the way the planning should be done; the bottom-up approach,” Mr Baleira said.

He said the views brought up during the consultations were good and valid. Villager Sophie Francis said it was an eye-opener listening to other people voicing out their ideas and concerns.

“I think Government would at the end of this consultation have a very clear picture of what the people of this country want and need; it was very interesting listening to all the views raised,” Ms Francis said.

The issues discussed at the village hall included intellectual property, preservation of the iTaukei culture and traditional knowledge for children in the village.

Ilaitia Rakobo said it was a great chance for him to speak out.

“How else can we talk about solutions; the good news is that some dialogue is taking place and it’s important to encourage and strengthen dialogue,” Mr Rakobo said.

He said it would also be great to approach youths to have strong participation during the consultations.

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