Residents living in Vunidawa have raised concerns regarding several issues including access to clean drinking water, rural roads, drainage, road conditions, farm theft, stray animals, agriculture extension services, medical services and illicit drugs that affect the community.
These issues were brought to the attention of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad and his team during a meeting with farmers and residents of Viria, Muaniweni, Ilahabad, Urcalia and Vatoa St at Viria Public School.
The residents and farmers also expressed their gratitude for the continued government support which includes new initiatives such as back-to-school assistance.
While responding to these issues, Professor Prasad says they are setting up mechanisms to strengthen the Fiji Police Force and health centres around the country.
He says the Ministry of Agriculture has received a substantial budget to assist not only sugarcane farmers but also other farmers.
He also addresses Fiji's major drug problem with more people being arrested and stresses the need to protect schools, children, villages and settlements.
He adds that health centres are in poor condition but efforts are being made to progressively improve them.
He adds the Coalition Government plans to continue holding such meetings regularly which commits to an inclusive approach that involves all levels of the community in decision-making and addressing critical issues related to community and national development.
Professor Prasad says the coalition government wants to make sure that people are connected, not afraid to talk to the Government, officials and ministries.
He says he has removed the fear from the people and they are much freer now.
