A number of villages in the interior of Vanua Levu were given tips on how to identify corruption and report it.

This included the villagers of Nacula, Saqani, one of the most remote areas in Cakaudrove.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Research and Advocacy team crossed at least 10 rivers to reach their destination.

FICAC media officer Nandani Vandhana said: “Members of the community were advised on how to ensure that Government projects were not used by relevant parties for personal gain.

“This visit was special for the villagers who claimed they hardly had a Government team to visit them because of their isolation.”

More than 30 people turned up at a meeting point where they acquired much needed knowledge on ways to keep corruption at bay.

Village headman Ilitama Dakuvusi said: “We have learned so much and now we understand steps we need to take to ensure that proper processes and procedures are followed by parties responsible.

“One of these is to check the delivery dockets for substantiated materials, getting regular updates from parties in charge of projects to ensure that they are adhering to correct procedures.”

He said this was also important for their own information as villagers.

Some of the major issues they faced was the slow progress of projects, lack of information and service delivery.

The team, who also visited schools, ended their visit on Friday.