'Don't over rely on Govt': Lewaqai urges resource owners to help develop vanua

Divisional Commissioner Western Apolosi Lewaqai has challenged traditional leaders and resource owners in Nadroga/Navosa to do more for their communities, saying the province's significant contribution to Fiji's economy should be reflected in tangible development for people in the vanua.

Speaking at the 2026 Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Council Meeting at Nasigatoka Village yesterday, Mr Lewaqai said the Western Division was often praised as the engine of Fiji's economy, but communities should not rely solely on Government to address local development needs.

“Many traditional leaders and resource owners in the Western Division often highlight the region’s major contribution to the country’s economic growth,” Mr Lewaqai said.

“People in the west have more advantages. We want electricity and proper roads in the interior areas, but not everything should depend on the Government. You have strong hands to deliver the best for your vanua,” he said.

His comments came after Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu acknowledged traditional leaders and provincial representatives for their contributions and commended resource owners for supporting the country's economic growth.

“We always say that the Western Division powers the country through its thriving tourism industry in places like Nadi and the Coral Coast, extensive sugarcane production around Lautoka, gold mining operations at Vatukoula, and the presence of the Nadi International Airport,” Mr Lewaqai said.

“All that we have is a gift from God for us to look after. I urge you all to maintain peace within your vanua and maintain good relationships with everyone.”

Mr Lewaqai also encouraged traditional representatives to visit Vanua Levu to better understand the development challenges facing communities in the North.

“Most of the roads there are still gravel, and many communities still do not have access to internet services.”

He highlighted assistance from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank in supporting development projects in the Northern Division, including Vanua Levu and nearby islands.

The projects are being funded through the Fiji Tourism Development Programme (Na Vualiku Project) and the Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation (PHIT) Project.

Concern over hospital name change

During the meeting, a representative of the Tui Namataku raised concerns over the renaming of Navosa Sub-divisional Hospital to Nadroga Health Centre.

Samuela Vatureba called for the facility's original name to be retained.

The Navosa Sub-divisional Hospital at Vatumali was officially opened in 2021 following an investment of about $30 million by the previous Government.

The facility provides x-ray and ultrasound services, maternity care, pharmacy services, surgical procedures and laboratory testing. It also includes a guest house for families of inpatients and staff quarters.

Serving 26 villages, 58 settlements, 11 kindergartens, 13 primary schools and two secondary schools in the upper Sigatoka River region, the hospital has improved healthcare access for more than 10,000 residents in Nadroga, Navosa and the highlands of Ba.

Mr Lewaqai said the concerns raised by community representatives had been referred to the Ministry of Health for consideration.