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From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (29 May 2014) Voter registration team leaves for Rotuma Report by Vosita Kotoiwasawasa A team from the Elections office is now on its way to Rotuma to conduct voter registration and education. Elections Supervisor Mohammed Saneem says the team will be in Rotuma from Monday until the 12th. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (27 May 2014) PM directs WAF to waive bills in Rotuma Report by Apisalome Coka The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has directed that over half a million dollars in unpaid water bills on the island of Rotuma be waivered. The debt had been accumulating for decades WAF Team Leader Rural and Maritime Water and Sewerage Sakaraia Radovu says government's intervention to clear the debts accumulated by Water Authority of Fiji customers on Rotuma now allows for continuous water supply. The bills here on Rotuma had accumulated when the Water Authority was still the department of Water and Sewerage under the Ministry of works and transport, so all the bills had accumulated that until 2010, those were the ones that were wavered on the 14 million or so that was given by the government. Radovu says part of the reason the unpaid bills accumulated was because there was no official on the island to oversee the operations there. It accumulated from bills from the whole island and that comprised of 639 customers which were 660 thousand dollars had to be paid off for. WAF customers on the island who have left for Viti Levu have had their meters disconnected, while some more have just had their meters connected. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (22 May 2014) $15 Million upgrade for Rotuma airport Report by Apisalome Coka Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has revealed that government will look into setting aside $15 million to upgrade the Rotuma airport. Speaking to the people of Rotuma during a recent visit, Bainimarama says this will be allocated for in next year's budget. We talked about upgrading Rotuman airport. The Fiji Roads Authority is here. They have briefed us. They on to it. But in addition to that, for heavier aircraft, additional aircraft to come in, we will have to allocate some funds of about 15 million dollars for next year's budget. We will have a look at that. I don't think there should be any problem, because again comparing what we want to be done in Rotuma, that's really not much. $15 million is not much according to the improvement that we want to be done in Rotuma. The Fiji Roads Authority was also recently in Rotuma carrying out groundwork for the upgrade. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (21 May 2014) Developments on Rotuma widely welcomed Report by Apisalome Coka Rotuma Island Council Advisor and a former top brass of the military man, Major General George Konrote says, Rotuma has never experienced the amount of development projects carried out on the island by an administration. Konrote says the chiefs and people of Rotuma, now have what they have been asking past governments. "Never in the history of our little island so much has been done by any government. The developments has done a lot for the people in terms of improving their income generating capacity and living conditions. The present administration has done a lot over the last 8 years or so. However, I am not insensitive nor dismissive to the efforts of past administration, we are equally grateful for that." Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama later revealed to the people of Rotuma that military engineers will be on the island in two months time to carry out development projects and also construct their new hospital. From The Jet Newspaper (16 May 2014) Dredging of Oinafa Wharf Continues Dredge works along the Oinafa Jetty in Rotuma is being carried out as planned. This was confirmed by Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) chief executive officer, Neil Cook, who highlighted that a budget of $800,000 had been allocated for this project. A team from the FRA is currently working at the Oinafa Jetty clearing sand and silt build up. Mr Cook said the FRA is working towards ensuring that the people of Rotuma are provided with better facilities. "We can't have a facility that stops working and then the people of Rotuma do not have that service or it is a much reduced service, we take that seriously. "It is quite a significant project and it's been progressing well so far. It is a signal that we need to put more effort at the start of the design process such as bridges and jetties," Mr Cook said. From The Jet Newspaper (16 May 2014) Road Works to Begin Around Rotuma The people of Rotuma can soon expect to see the start of major road development works around the island. A team from the Fiji Roads Authority is currently on the island conducting the first stages of survey to determine the scope of work needed to be carried out. The upgrading of roads around the island will enhance access for farmers to transport their commodities while also easing accessibility for school children. During talanoa sessions with Prime Minister Rear Admiral Voreqe Bainimarama, several villages on the island also requested for the upgrade of their farm roads. Prime Minister Bainimarama informed farmers that they would be able to access assistance for farm road upgrades through their respective District Officers who are responsible for these types of developments on the island. Major road capital projects are currently being carried out by the Fiji Roads Authority while upgrades to farm roads are the responsibility of the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (16 May 2014) Govt to relook at Rotuma-Tuvalu trade Report by Edwin Nand The Government will relook into the trade agreement between Rotuma and Tuvalu. This was confirmed by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama during his discussions with people on Rotuma. Bainimarama was told the last shipment to Tuvalu was 13 months ago and there was a need to build upon and strengthen the trade between Tuvalu and Rotuma. Bainimarama said the Government would continue to support and improve the livelihoods of people in the maritime islands. The Rotuma Council advisor Major General George Konrote highlighted that discussions on furthering trade with Kiribati has been considered. From The Jet Newspaper (15 May 2014) Prime Minister Concludes Rotuma Tour Prime Minister Rear Admiral Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama today ended his three-day visit of Rotuma. Accompanied by officials from various Government Ministries, the Prime Minister held talanoa sessions with the people of the seven districts on the island, discussing development plans. The Prime Minister told the people of Rotuma that his government has been working closely with the Rotuma Council on a new Rotuma Decree and Rotuma Lands Decree that will safeguard and preserve their land and culture. PM Bainimarama said that while the unique traditions, language and land of the indigenous Rotuman people have been recognised in the Fijian Constitution, the two proposed legislations will ensure Rotumans will be able to resolve any issues regarding land. Rotuma Council advisor Jioji Konrote said Rotuma has never before witnessed as much development as it has, with the Bainimarama Government. "While other Governments have helped in the development of our island home, the Bainimarama Government has singlehandedly done the most in meeting development needs of the 2000 people who continue to live in Rotuma – in terms of infrastructure development, the provision of services to the island and assisting in raising the overall standard of living," Mr Konrote said. Rotuma Council chairman Tarterani Rigamoto said the people were pleased with the visit, adding they are confident the assistance provided by Government will continue over the years. "We are appreciative over the assistance Government has directed towards the development of Rotuma over the last few years and we know this Government will continue to help the people here in Rotuma to improve the standard of living," Mr Rigamoto said. "We are grateful for the free education initiative by Government this year especially for those attending tertiary instutions as this means more Rotumans will be able to have access to higher education." The Prime Minister assured the people of Rotuma that the assistance that has been directed towards them over the years will continue. "It is the role of Government to ensure that all Fijians have access to the same services regardless of where they live in Fiji." "Government will do all it can so that all those who live on the island of Rotuma will be able to access the same services and have the same things as those Fijians living in urban areas." From The Jet Newspaper (15 May 2014) New Hospital for Rotuma Construction works on the new hospital in Rotuma will begin soon. This was confirmed by Prime Minister Rear Admiral Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama to the people of the island during discussions today. The construction works on the hospital is expected to be completed within a timeframe of two to three months. Prime Minister Bainimarama said funding for the hospital, which would have modern facilities to assist the staff and people of Rotuma, was allocated in the 2014 National Budget. A team from the Ministry of Works is now inspecting the new site for the hospital. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (14 May 2014) PM reduces fees for government services on Rotuma Report by Apisalome Coka The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has reduced fees charged by some government agencies by half on Rotuma for the services they render to the island's population. Bainimarama has directed that cost of printing a birth certificate at the Rotuma Post Office to be $5 and not the normal $10. This was confirmed yesterday after people raised their concerns to the Prime Minister. Bainimarama says it is wrong to bring the services to the people with a higher cost. Meanwhile Post Fiji normally takes five percent of a total cheque amount but has now being directed to take only one percent. The waiver of the two cost is effective from today. The Prime Minister continues his visit around the island today before making his way to Suva later in the afternoon. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (14 May 2014) PM addresses Rotuma Island Council Report by Apisalome Coka Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has opened the Rotuma Island Council meeting. In his speech, Bainimarama addressed pressing issues, which the people of Rotuma have been dealing with. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has told the Rotuma Island Council the draft Rotuma Decree and the Rotuma Lands Decree are currently being finalized by the AG's Office and would be done by mid-May. Bainimarama has confirmed the Decrees will be translated into the Rotuman language. The Prime Minister also revealed that flights to Rotuma will continue to be provided by Pacific Sun with a subsidy of $28,000 franchise per flight. Bainimarama has assured the Rotuma Island Council their land is well safeguarded in the Constitution from scrupulous, unfair and dishonest dealings that may occur in the future. He says it will take more than just a government to develop Rotuma, it will need the support of the people. Meanwhile, Bainimarama has also told the Council voter registration on the island will be held from the 30th of May to the 6th of June. The registration will be done from village to village. The announcement was made following concerns raised by Rotuman's during talanoa sessions yesterday that many of them have not been registered to vote in the upcoming elections. Bainimarama has also told the Rotuma Island Council, military engineers will be in Rotuma within the next two months to build the new hospital in Ahau. From The Jet Newspaper (13 May 2014) PM Marks Rotuma Day By Praising the Contribution of Rotumans to Fiji's Development The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, has praised the contribution made by the Rotuman community to the life of the nation in a speech to mark Rotuma Day 2014. He was speaking soon after arriving on the island to begin his first visit to Rotuma since 2008. As part of a ceremonial welcome, he was carried ashore from his vessel on the shoulders of the men of Juju at the start of a day of celebrations, which are also taking place in other parts of Fiji and overseas. While there are around 2000 Rotumans who remain on the island, another 10,000 live offshore. In his address, the Prime Minister said there is no doubt that for such a small and isolated place, Rotuma has had a disproportionate influence on Fiji's development. "We find Rotumans scattered throughout Government, the private sector, the military and other professions. I'm fond of saying that Fiji generally punches above its weight in the world. But it is also true to say that Rotuma punches above its weight in Fiji". The Prime Minister said he was especially keen to be in Rotuma to share in the island's celebrations and focus more attention on the importance of the Rotuman Community in Fiji. "Every Fijian, no matter where they come from, honours that contribution to our national life. So today is a special occasion, a joyous occasion, not only for Rotumans but every Fijian. The Prime Minister detailed a long list of improvements made to the island by the Government since he last visited six years ago, when he directed that a series of projects commence to address the needs of ordinary people. These include better roads around the island, improvements to the Oinafa Jetty, the upgrading of the airport, hospital and High School, more bore holes and a water treatment plant, a new 10,000 water tank and the provision of 71 head of cattle to improve the supply of milk and meat. He also said that Rotuma stood to benefit from the ongoing upgrade to the Government Shipping Service, that has already seen two new vessels enter service to cater for the needs of Rotumans and those on other outlying islands. The Prime Minister reiterated the Government's view that every Fijian, no matter where they live, is entitled to the same level of services as people living on Viti Levu. He also said the Government is looking at further ways – including improvements to the island's agriculture and its ability to export food – to create further incentives for people to stay on Rotuma if they choose to do so. "Your population has been steadily declining over the years and there are currently five times more Rotumans living outside of Rotuma than the 2000 or so who remain. We want to address that steady decline by providing Rotumans with a viable, sustainable economic future, not only for themselves but for future generations", he added. After today's celebrations -which include traditional Rotuman dancing and feasting – the PM has a meeting with the Island's Council plus a talanoa session tomorrow, followed by meetings with community representatives across Rotuma on Thursday before he leaves the Island to return to Suva. From Fiji Times Online (13 May 2014) Rotuma punches above its weight By Siteri Sauvakacolo He was speaking soon after arriving on the island to begin his first visit to Rotuma since 2008. As part of a ceremonial welcome, he was carried ashore from his vessel on the shoulders of the men of Juju at the start of a day of celebrations. In his address, the Prime Minister says there is no doubt that for such a small and isolated place, Rotuma has had a disproportionate influence on Fiji's development. "We find Rotumans scattered throughout Government, the private sector, the military and other professions," Mr Bainimarama said. "I'm fond of saying that Fiji generally punches above its weight in the world. But it is also true to say that Rotuma punches above its weight in Fiji." © Fiji Times Ltd. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (12 May 2014) Dredging at Oinafa jetty progresses Report by Elenoa Turagaiviu The Fiji Roads Authority says dredging at Oinafa Jetty is aimed at improving shipping services to Rotuma. A study of the area late last year revealed that sand has accumulated in the harbour and a limited number of vessels are able to access the jetty only at high tide. Ships would arrive, offload cargo and depart from the jetty before the tide recedes. The study indicated that the tide dictates the type of vessels that could berth at the jetty. However, FRA says with the harbour dredged, boats with a deeper draft can berth at the jetty at any time. Earlier this year, through a tender process, Pacific Marine and Civil Solutions was awarded the contract to dredge the harbour. The cost of the dredging work is estimated at $817,000.
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