THE biggest concern for the Rotuma Development Board is creating opportunities on the island for the younger generation, says acting district officer Etika Taukave.
He is hoping to get approval for the upgrading of Rotuma High School which includes the construction of an automotive building and with the inclusion of other vocational programs.
He said the school implemented a vocational program and was starting Form Seven next year with youths being encouraged to farm to support agriculture exports to Tuvalu.
"Many youths were leaving the island before but now they are staying and some have even returned for the vocational program," he said.
Mr Taukave said the vocational program prepared youths when they eventually left the island to search for work or further their studies on Viti Levu.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, he said his update for the board included a proposed upgrade of Rotuma Hospital which includes the provision of other services and the construction of a mortuary.
"Government will assess and make recommendations on which one should be prioritised.
"We would like to get the Rotuma Airport construction going because as a port of entry it should be a source of income for the island.
"It would open up links with Fiji, Kiribati and Tuvalu. We have a plan in place.
"Work on the airport had only gone as far a few layers of gravel being laid out on the runway and we are waiting for further funding."
He said other proposed projects included the expansion of the island's electrification grid which covered seven villages.
The island has a population of 2081 and while access to health services for the elderly has been an issue, medical staff on the island conduct home visitations.