Thanks to Inia Seruiratu, villages in Wainibuka, Tailevu now have food rations.
The Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management distributed these rations on Wednesday night after the villages along the Wainibuka River became flooded early this week.
Wailotua I headman Isoa Natabaleka thanked the Government for thinking of them, especially when most of their farms were destroyed during the flood.
“Fifteen families received the food rations, whose houses were under water and we thank the Government for thinking of us,” Mr Natabaleka said.
“All the farms beside the Wainibuka River were all destroyed. The food rations that were distributed to us is timely.”
Mr Seruiratu highlighted the importance of food security for any Government.
“The Ministry of Agriculture has responsibilities, but in the meantime, we have to ensure that those that were badly suffered are properly nourished,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“At the same time, agriculture is trying to establish the degree of devastation in the agriculture sector.
He said it was important to get everything back to normal.
“The key priority is the security of lives and of course the well-being of the people; for us to ensure that people are more resilient and people need to be prepared for such situations as well.
“Something we appreciate is the training that has been ongoing in the communities so that they can take ownership. The Government will not be able to immediately reach out to every community.
“While waiting for that period, it’s for the communities to take responsibilities and I am thankful that the communities are taking those responsibilities seriously and we hope that such training can be done in remote areas when we have the opportunity.”
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