Minister crosses river, scaled Wainimala hills

Travelling is easy for many who live in urban centres.

But for villagers of Narokorokoyawa in Wainimala, Naitasiri, it is either on foot or by horseback.

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, got a taste of that reality yesterday. Together with other Government officials, Ms Akbar and her team crossed the Wainimala River four times, and hiked up the slippery hills of Wainimala before reaching Narokorokoyawa Village.

The villagers labelled her a ‘brave woman’ because they could not believe she would endure the long hard walk up the hills and the Wainimala River.

Addressing the villagers the minister described her adventurous journey: “My visit to your village today is my best Christmas gift.

“Today, I was able to get a taste of what men, women and even children of your villages and other four villagers up the hills face day to day.”

Village spokesperson Rusiate Qereqeretabua said it was a blessing to have a Government minister visit their village.

“The Government has assisted our village in numerous ways such as the building a canteen for women, sewing machines and the construction of rocket stoves to assist villagers in their daily chores of cooking meals,” he said.

“We acknowledge the Government for their assistance and we continue our best in striving for excellence among our people.”

The Minister for Women handed over 50 Rocket Stoves for the Women of Narokorokoyawa Village.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback litia.cava@fijisun.com.fj