Suva, January 01 – The villagers and youths of Vuma in Levuka, Ovalau on Wednesday 30th December received a cheque of $7,200 from the Minister of Youth and Sports Honourable Laisenia Tuitubou.
The cheque was for the electrification of six houses for Vuma youths under a rural housing project initiative - in collaboration between the office of the Provincial Administrator Lomaiviti and the village youth club.
“This assistance is in recognition of your tireless effort towards the development of your community and improvement of your livelihood,” said Hon. Tuitubou.
“Government and the youth ministry recognises your efforts and dedication towards securing your future and the future of your families and community; through the utilisation of the natural resources at your disposal,” added Hon. Tuitubou.
“You have set a benchmark for other youth in Fiji to follow,” said the Youth Minister. “Your success today also highlights the success of Government’s Integrated Rural Development Framework.”
“Your efforts through farming and abstaining from excessive yaqona consumption have borne fruition and we the ministry and the vanua celebrates with you in your achievements,” said Hon. Tuitubou.
Provincial Administrator Lomaiviti Mr Elimi Rokoduru said; “The total cost of a single unit is $18,000 and the individual youth contributed $6000 towards ensuring his house is built.”
“Six houses will be built in the first phase and four houses will follow in the second and yhird phases this year and next year,” said Mr Rokoduru. “This donation today is for the electrification of these houses.”
Vuma Youth Club president Usaia Delai said; “We started our five year project in 2011 and this year we are beginning to reap its results.”
“Each youth since 2011 were to plant 500 yaqona plants per year and abstain from drinking kava from Monday to Thursday each week,” said Delai. “We are grateful to Government through the Youth Ministry for ensuring that we are assisted in every way possible.”
Delai added that the houses will be opened in January or February 2016.