PROPOSED programs and projects for the province of Lomaiviti need to be relevant, meaningful and the type people can be a part of and take ownership of for sustainability.
Commissioner Eastern Colonel Netani Rika stressed this to delegates at the opening of the Lomaiviti Provincial Development Board meeting yesterday.
He said it was hoped that through the forum, they would continue to provide high quality development advice which in turn would ensure the success of projects and improve the quality of lives of people in the province.
He said the government's intent to "build a better Fiji for all" would be achieved through the integrated rural framework for productive progressive, safe and resilient communities in Fiji.
"This approach is designed to incorporate iTaukei development interests into national plans and programs.
"It involves things like decentralising decision-making powers to the divisional level and partnership with non-governmental and community-based organisations to collectively work together to raise the standard of living in the province.
"It would also mean assisting them in identifying available resources and formulating community development skills and initiatives that would maximise the returns from available resources.
"A point to note is these activities are people, family, community and environmentally friendly."
Col. Rika also highlighted a number of issues which he said could be seen as challenges for the board whose duty he said was to guide, inform, and empower the people.
"These would include leadership quality at all levels, rise in petty crimes, drugs, school dropouts, the involvement of women and youths, climate change and the decay in morality," Col. Rika said.