The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management recently led a joint Government team to visit rural communities in the upper Wainimala region.

Led by the Provincial Administrators (PA) Namosi and Naitasiri, the joint team was made up of officers from 12 Government agencies.

Commissioner Central Division Mr. Josefa Navuku said the team journeyed for 14-hours by foot, starting at Wainimakutu in Namosi before crossing over to Nasava then down to Sawanikula in Naitasiri.

“During this journey, the team crossed two borders of Namosi and Naitasiri. The objective of this visit was to survey road access routes and assess some economic potential and opportunities available for our rural Fijians residing in the upper Wainimala areas,” Mr Navuku said.

“During the journey, the team also conducted empowerment to the unreached and marginalised rural dwellers in the areas they visited.”

Provincial Administrator (PA) Namosi Mr. Laisenia Tui take a rest during their 14-hour journey by foot to visit rural communities in the upper Wainimala areas.

“The visit is quite critical because this aligns to the commitment of Government to ensure that those in rural Fiji are not left behind in the development aspirations of Government,” he added.

Mr Navuku added the visit demonstrated the partnerships forged between the various Government departments in reaching out to the unreachable.

The joint Government team included men and women from the Fiji Police Force, National Fire Authority (NFA), Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries and Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.