The opening of a new fire station in Seaqaqa would protect properties and businesses, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

“The operation of this new station also confirms our assurance to entrepreneurs – in Fiji and abroad – that your investments, your properties and your businesses will be protected,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“And it sends a strong message to the Fijian people that your homes will be protected.”

Mr Bainimarama was speaking yesterday while commissioning the newly-structured National Fire Authority Station in Seaqaqa, Vanua Levu, yesterday.

“Seaqaqa is a fast developing business centre in Vanua Levu.  Over the last few years, more business investments have been done here, which is evident by the presence of other businesses that are operating in this area,” Mr Bainimarama said.

Mr Bainimarama was accorded a traditional welcome by the people of Seaqaqa and the Vanua-o-Caumatalevu who gathered in numbers at the $1.2 million project to witness the event.

Seaqaqa businessman Mohammed Aruf Khan said: “We are feeling so much safer with the opening of a new fire station.

“This gives us so much courage to stay and continue with our businesses because the operation of a station ensures safety for our businesses.”

The previous fire station was destroyed in a fire in 2014.

Kindy gets funding

Meanwhile, a school management’s search for funds to construct their kindergarten block came to fruition when Government contributed $50,000 towards the project.

Mr Bainimarama officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony for the $120,000 construction.

School manager Lakhan Kumar applauded the Government for fulfilling and supporting their plan to construct a proper block for the pre-school students.

“We plan to build a spacious kindergarten classroom to be able to accommodate 60 students,” Mr Kumar said.

“In a school bazaar held last year, the management was able to raise $60,000 for the project, the Ministry of Education through a grant contributed $20,000 last year and with the most recent, donation by the Prime Minister’s office, the funding for the construction has been fully provided for.”

Mr Bainimarama said: “I am thankful for the vision, communal effort and sacrifices of the management in raising funds for the construction of the kindergarten.

“It is pleasing to note that Fiji’s education strategic development plan affirms the importance of early childhood education.”

Mr Lakhan said they had plans to further improve the school facilities through a new library in the near future.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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