The province of Tailevu is set to receive substantial government support following the recent announcements made by the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo. Speaking at the Bose ni Yasana ko Tailevu, Vosarogo indicated that six acres of state land in Vunivivi will be allocated for a new Tailevu Provincial Office. Furthermore, an additional six acres will be returned to the Mataqali Nalagobokola as part of a land reclamation initiative, highlighting an active effort to enhance local governance and community ownership.
Vosarogo underscored the government’s commitment to improve rural livelihoods through collaboration with various ministries, including Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Women and Children, and Cooperatives. He acknowledged Tailevu’s historical importance as a hub of leadership and resilience, urging the community to come together for the benefit of future generations.
In addressing the issue of unfilled chiefly titles within the province, Tailevu Provincial Council chairman Semi Matalau reported that there are currently 289 vacant positions out of 674 turaga ni mataqali (clan leaders). He expressed optimism about filling these leadership gaps through cooperation with key stakeholders, including the iTaukei Land and Fisheries Commission, emphasizing the importance of establishing new chiefs.
Looking ahead, the Tailevu Provincial Council is planning a cultural festival named Adi Tailevu next year. This event aims to ease the financial burden of the annual levy (vanua soli) on the community while providing opportunities for residents to reconnect with family and friends. Matalau highlighted the festival’s potential to generate operational funds for the council through community contributions.
Addressing broader social issues, Vosarogo called for unity among traditional leadership (vanua), the church (lotu), and government (matanitu) to confront escalating concerns such as HIV/AIDS and violence against women and children. He noted the worrying rise in drug use within the community and emphasized the necessity for collective responsibility to tackle these challenges.
The ongoing dialogue among community leaders illustrates a strong commitment to promoting a supportive environment that enhances public health and safety. Through collaborative efforts across different sectors, there is collective hope for a brighter and more resilient future for Tailevu and the broader Fijian community.