The government’s plan to construct or upgrade an international-standard airport in Vanua Levu remains a work in progress.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says this initiative is a key priority for the coalition government under the Na Vualiku Tourism Project.

The project aims to address infrastructure needs and boost tourism growth in the Division.

Rabuka highlights that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine the best option for Vanua Levu.

“It is for civil aviation, particularly Airport Fiji Limited, to look at and assess the feasibility of Vunilagi, developing Labasa, building one in Nasarawaqa, or extending Savusavu. Those are the options available to them, which would be the best option considering the potential for tourism development here.”

Rabuka acknowledges the challenges faced by businesses and hoteliers in Savusavu but expressed hope for significant progress this year.

Rabuka says developers will not want to invest in Vanua Levu if they no their guests will not get a timely transfer to the hotels.

Labasa Special Administrators Chair Paul Jaduram says the upgrade of the Waiqele Airport terminal in Labasa, undertaken by Pacific Building Solu-tions, is expected to commence soon.

“They are still constructing the temporary terminal. Once they finish that, then they will start working on the new terminal at Waiqele air-port, so I have no timeline on that as its AFL contractor.”

Approximately $161.3 million in funding from the World Bank, under the Na Vualiku Tourism Project, has been allocated to improve infrastructure con-nectivity in Vanua Levu.

News source: https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/north-airport-feasibility-study-ongoing-rabuka/

In an effort to move away from energy sources that harm the environment, Energy Fiji Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Bank which is helping EFL to transition to renewable energy in Vanua Levu.

EFL and the World Bank will be working on a long-term roadmap for Vanua Levu to transition to renewable energy.

While signing the agreement, EFL Chair Rokoseru Nabalarua says that with all the development underway, they will need energy sources to make sure that they keep the lights on and that the businesses operate.

He says they are already working on a number of initiatives in terms of developing renewables.

EFL also signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank to explore alternative renewable energy solutions in Viti Levu.

World Bank Acting Country Manager, Suzy Yoon says work has already started with dialogues and discussions on other areas of potential cooperation.

She says they want to take the existing capacity of EFL and just enable greater results for the inputs going into the efforts.

Yoon says the Na Vualiku Project is going to be a core through which they will look at all the enabling parts of developing Vanua Levu’s potential, both economically, but also to ensure the sustainable growth of the tourism sector that provides jobs and provides for a better future for the Northern Division.

She adds the potential is great, and they are here to facilitate that potential for Vanua Levu but their support can extend beyond that as well.

News source: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/EFL-partners-with-World-Bank-to-drive-renewable-energy-transition-in-Vanua-Levu-8rxf54/

In an effort to bring development to where the people live, the World Bank is committing $400 million over the next decade through the Na Vualiku-Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu.

While speaking at the launch of the program in Savusavu, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says in the past 18 to 20 months, over 10 companies have invested in projects in Vanua Levu.

He says more of government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment by developing transparent and consultative policies is critical and that includes infrastructure as well as other supporting activities that will significantly boost the economy in Vanua Levu.

Rabuka says in the Northern Division, 63 percent of the population falls within the productive age range of 15 to 64 and this demographic represents a tremendous opportunity to harness the abundant natural resources and the people for growth and development.

He says the Government is committed to transforming Vanua Levu into a thriving tourism hub, one that fosters economic growth, creates meaningful employment, and attracts both local and international investment.

The Prime Minister says tourism continues to be a driving force in our economy, and recent data from the Reserve Bank of Fiji shows that visitors’ arrivals remain strong, with nearly 100,000 visitors arriving in July and over 94,000 in August.

Rabuka says while most visitors currently focus on other parts of Fiji, we must work to ensure that more of them explore and experience the beauty and culture of Vanua Levu.

He further says while the Northern Division has the lowest multidimensional poverty rate in the country, at 26 percent, we still have work to do to lift all of our citizens out of poverty and into a better quality of life.

He says as a government, they are are focused on tackling poverty through targeted investments and policies.

Rabuka says they know that the rural areas, where 38 percent of Fiji’s poor population resides, need special attention and by addressing these disparities, the Government can make sure that every Fijian has a fair shot at success, no matter where they live.

He also confirmed that the Na Vualiku Program is firmly rooted in environmental sustainability and aligned with Fiji’s global commitment to combat climate change.

News source: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/World-Banks-400M-boost-set-to-transform-Vanua-Levu—Rabuka-4frx58/

Speech delivered by the Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka:

Read here: https://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Centre/Speeches/English/PM-SITIVENI-RABUKA-AT-THE-NA-VUALIKU-PROGRAM-LAUNC