$128,000 Project Brings New Hope for Daku Village
“I urge everyone in Daku to look after this investment'' ''Development only succeeds when communities work together to maintain what has been built”
Saturday 18 October 2025 | 02:38
The newly ablution block and an upgraded community hall in Daku village in Tailevu.
Photo - Rariqi Turner
The people of Daku Village in Tailevu have every reason to smile after the completion of a $128,000 community development project that has given them a new ablution block and an upgraded community hall, which will also serve as an evacuation centre during disasters.
The project was officially opened yesterday by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, who said the initiative was part of the Government’s continued efforts to improve the standard of living for people in rural areas.
“This project is more than just concrete and timber,” Mr Ditoka said. “It represents the Government’s commitment to ensure that no Fijian is left behind, whether they live in urban centres or in the most remote villages.”
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He said the new facilities would not only help improve sanitation and hygiene in the village but also provide a safe and comfortable space for families during natural disasters.
“Many of our rural communities are the first to feel the impact of cyclones and flooding,” he said. “This upgraded hall will now stand as a place of safety and strength, a place where the people of Daku can gather, seek shelter, and support one another.”
The Minister encouraged the villagers to take ownership of the new facilities and to use them wisely.
“I urge everyone in Daku to look after this investment. Development only succeeds when communities work together to maintain what has been built,” he said.
Village Headman Uraia Vuetibau expressed his gratitude to the Ministry and the Government for listening to the needs of his people.
“For a long time, we have been using an old hall that could not stand strong winds or heavy rain,” “Today, we finally have a proper building that we can proudly call our community centre and evacuation hall.”
Uraia Vuetibau - Daku Village Headman
He added that the new ablution block had also brought relief to villagers, especially women and children, who previously faced difficulties accessing proper sanitation facilities.
“Our people are thankful for this project,” he said. “It will make our lives easier, cleaner, and safer, especially during the cyclone season.”
Mr Vuetibau also thanked the workers and ministry officials involved in completing the project, saying it showed that when Government and communities work together, progress is possible.
The Daku Village project is part of the Ministry’s wider rural development program, which focuses on improving community resilience, access to clean water, sanitation, and safe evacuation facilities across Fiji.
