The Kadavu Development Plan for 2025-2035 has been unveiled as a significant initiative aimed at empowering the communities within Kadavu, according to provincial council chairman Isikeli Vuniwaqa. This strategic document addresses longstanding challenges faced by villagers and lays out a clearer pathway for achieving their goals.
Vuniwaqa highlighted Kadavu’s enduring isolation due to its hilly terrain and reliance on water access. While improvements in infrastructure have recently made some positive strides, key issues remain, particularly in transportation between Kadavu and Suva, as well as in communication networks. “The network of communication on the island is bad compared to what other provinces have; we suffer very bad links and that’s one downside of our development,” he stated.
The plan’s launch, which took place at the Great Council of Chiefs’ centre in Suva, has been a culmination of two years of diligent effort and broad consultation. “We wanted to make it a very inclusive plan, including consulting the people of Kadavu on various levels – the provincial council members, the various government departments, the national planning office, the iTaukei Affairs Board, Multi-Ethnic and the Rural Development,” Vuniwaqa added, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the plan’s development.
Development committee chairman Akuila Masi noted that the plan is structured around five key priority areas designed to enhance opportunities for the people of Kadavu. This new framework aims to address critical needs and pave the way for a more prosperous future for the island’s residents.
Overall, the launch of the Kadavu Development Plan represents a hopeful chapter in the ongoing journey of Kadavu’s communities, signaling a commitment to overcoming obstacles and fostering sustainable development in the region.