Fijian rural dwellers need access to proper infrastructure for development: minister
Xinhua
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SUVA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Rural and maritime dwellers in Fiji need to have proper infrastructure for development, said a Fijian minister on Friday.

Speaking after opening a constructed foot-crossing bridge in Barotu Village, Rakiraki on the main island of Viti Levu on Friday, Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy reiterated the Fijian government's commitment to the protection and development of rural and maritime communities.

"Rural and maritime communities play a very critical role in the overall growth and development agenda of Fiji and that is where most of the critical primary economic activity such as agriculture takes place," he said.

Reddy stressed that initiatives such as the foot crossing program were a national priority to assist rural and outer island communities meet their basic needs, improve living standards and quality of life towards becoming self-sufficient.

He reiterated the need for villagers to safeguard their environment from degradation and to refrain from unnecessary deforestation, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy mangrove and ridge for the safety and livelihood of the village.

The project under the Ministry of Waterways and Environment has been implemented as part of the "Hop-Skip & Jump" foot-crossing program which was announced four months ago.

The foot-crossing bridge has solar lights which will allow the villagers to cross safely at night.

Fiji has a population of around 900,000 people, about 40 percent of whom are rural dwellers.

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(Photo: VCG)