By Fiji Sun News
Fiji officially launched its national programme yesterday to commemorate the inaugural World Rural Development Day, emphasising the need to amplify rural voices and accelerate sustainable development in remote communities.
Speaking at the event, held at Vunuku Village in Rewa Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka highlighted the global significance of July 6, now recognized by the United Nations as World Rural Development Day.
The designation, made through UN Resolution A/78/326, acknowledges the founding of the Centre for Integrated Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) and the role of rural development in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action,” Mr Ditoka said.
“We are reaffirming our commitment to building resilient, self-reliant, and thriving rural communities.”
The Ministry’s four-day programme, themed “Elevating Rural Voices: Advancing Development, Reducing Poverty, and Enhancing Well-being,” aims to engage stakeholders and highlight rural development challenges.
Activities include a national radio and TV talk-back show, district-level displays of development programmes, and newspaper features showcasing the Ministry’s work.
Mr Ditoka also announced the commissioning of a new community ablution block, valued at $31,400 and fully government-funded, as part of today’s event. He urged residents to take ownership of the facility, ensuring it is well maintained.
“Clean water and sanitation are not luxuries they are basic rights,” Mr Ditoka stated.
Other notable investments mentioned included a JICA-funded crab fattening project, solar lighting by Habitat for Humanity, and the Tavuya-Vunuku and Vunuku Footbridges.
The Minister reiterated the importance of ongoing programmes such as the Self-Help Programme (SHP), Seafaring Entrepreneurial Assistance (SEA), Rural Housing Assistance (RHA), and the Rural and Outer Island Development (ROI) initiatives.
These will continue under the proposed new fiscal year budget.
“As a nation, we must work together, with a shared vision to bridge the urban and rural development gap and leave no one behind,” he said.
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