Tui Macuata opens rural development consultations

Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliam Katonivere officiated at the opening of a multi-stakeholder consultation for the National Rural Development Policy (NRDP), facilitated by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management at the Fiji Football Association Hall in Labasa on Wednesday.

Mr Katonivere said rural development was not only about infrastructure and services, but also about safeguarding dignity, strengthening self-reliance and ensuring progress was shared fairly among communities.

“Fiji’s first NRDP represents a very important milestone. Rural development has long been guided by frameworks and programmes, but this policy is fully focused on addressing the long-standing challenges faced by rural and outer-island communities,” Mr Katonivere said.

He said the decision to review the Integrated Rural Development Framework (IRDF) of 2009 and move to a new policy demonstrated leadership and a commitment to do better.

The NRDP is intended to become the central guide for how Fiji plans and coordinates development in rural and maritime areas, providing greater clarity on priorities.

Mr Katonivere said challenges such as access to clean water, reliable roads, transport and shipping services, livelihoods and essential services continued to affect rural communities, including many in the Northern Division.

“These challenges have been discussed for years, yet progress has often been uneven. The NRDP therefore asks an important question: what must change in the way we work to achieve inclusive outcomes?” he said.

He said the policy had been shaped through consultation to ensure the voices of communities, traditional leaders, government and civil servants, and the private sector were heard.

The policy development process is guided by principles that place people and communities at the centre of development, recognise the critical role of traditional leadership, and use data and evidence to guide decisions. These principles reflect shared responsibilities to protect both people and the natural environment.

“As chiefs and leaders, we understand that true development must be sustainable and must respect the land and the sea,” he added.