The Fijian Government has spent more than $90 million towards the development of Rewa from 2014 to 2021.

Because of this, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said the province was now a better place to live in.

He made this comments while speaking at the Rewa Provincial Council meeting yesterday.

Mr Bainimarama said Government also dedicated more than $53m for recipients of Social Pension Schemes, Poverty Benefit Schemes and Disability Schemes in Rewa.

“My Government believes that it is imperative that we help individuals and families, especially the poor and vulnerable, cope with crises and shocks, find employment opportunities, improve productivity, invest in the health and education of their children, and care for all Fijians, young and old alike,” he said.

Through the Ministry of Education, he said Government had invested more than $27m in free education grants and transport assistance for Rewa.

“The past eight years of free education have no doubt left Fijian families with a little more in their pockets to invest or use for discretionary spending. But most importantly, free education has created certainty,”the PM said.

Through the Ministry of Health, he said Government had committed more than $2m.

“This has enabled the extension of lease for Nausori Hospital and the construction of the new nursing stations at Vatukarasa and Raviravi in Beqa,” he said.

Through the Department of Energy, Government had contributed more than $1m to provide solar home systems, grid extensions, and wiring for homes in Rewa.

“Mr Bainimarama said it is no longer a convenience, but is it a necesity.

He said Government also invested more than $1m in rural water schemes to provide clean and safe drinking water throughout this province.

“But there is another reason to celebrate because the upcoming Rewa River Water Supply Scheme will be completed in the May of 2023, only nine months from now. This won’t only help resolve intermittent supply issues throughout the Lami-Suva-Nausori corridor, it will allow us to expand access to reticulated water to other areas that are currently don’t have clean tap water.”

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