Litia Cava 
[File Photo]
The Government has unveiled its National Infrastructure Investment Plan, aimed at strategically advancing infrastructural development over the next decade.
Fiji Council of Social Services Executive Director Vani Catanasiga states that the needs of women, children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI communities, and indigenous perspectives, traditions, and cultures were stressed as essential factors to be considered.
Catanasiga also highlighted the challenging negotiations surrounding the Viria project as a prime example of why obtaining free, informed, and prior consent from indigenous communities is crucial.
With more than 80 percent of the land in Fiji owned by these communities, she says their perspectives and voices must be respected and integrated into decision-making processes.
Ministry of Finance Head of Strategic Planning Kamal Gounder reiterated the necessity of establishing a unified register for infrastructure projects.
To address this vital requirement, Gounder announced the deployment of a dedicated team stationed at the finance ministry’s strategic planning office within the project coordination unit.
These developments were brought to light during the recent meeting of the 9th Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility Community of Practice in Suva, where the importance of community involvement and informed decision-making in infrastructure projects was underscored.
