The province of Nadroga and Navosa broke its own record of fundraising by collecting $408,244.95 during the two-day Adi Nadroga/Navosa Festival which ended last Saturday at the Sigatoka Village ground.
Last year the province collected a little over $350,000 which was used on education of its tertiary students, investments and various other important things.
Provincial assistant chairman Ilikimi Kunagogo said their target this year was $270,000 but they were surprised when it was announced that the amount collected was over $400,000. "First I would like to thank the Almighty for the large amount of money collected and the beautiful weather and to the people of Nadroga /Navosa for the great spirit in giving generously to a worthy cause for their province," said Mr Kunagogo.
He said the provincial council and its committee's continued update on the provincial development and investment into the 22 districts and chiefs resulted in the huge amount of money collected.
"I would also like to thank our chairman and paramount chief, the Kalevu, for his advice and wisdom and to the roko tui Nadroga/Navosa Viliame Burenivalu for a well organised two-day event." The province is one of the country's largest and stretches from Namatakula to Yako Village, up to the highlands of Nadrau and also including the two islands of Vatulele and Malolo.
Mr Kunagogo said the commitee, for the first time, had organised an expo where various commercial banks and government deparments were available to educate the people.
"I would like to thank Micro Finance, Reserve Bank, ANZ, BSP, Bank of Baroda, FIRCA, TLTB, the health department, Native Land Commision and Ministry of Energy for empowering our people on vital information to benefit them."