WAINIGADRU Village headman Bonefasio Driti has commended the government's rehabilitation efforts in constructing five houses cyclone-damaged houses.
Mr Driti said the opening of two new houses in the village on Tuesday was a positive sign of the government's initiatives to bring development to the grassroots.
"In fact, nearly all the houses in the village were affected by the cyclone but the five houses were completely destroyed as a result of the strong wind," said Mr Driti.
"Five houses were completely destroyed and members of the households had to stay with relatives in the village.
"The village enjoyed hosting Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama on Tuesday; his visit was a form of blessing for the two families that had their homes restored."
Mr Driti said the three other homes were expected to be completed soon.
"We thank the government for considering the plight of these five families and assisting them rebuild their homes and lives," he said.
Mr Driti said last year government provided homes in the villages with solar panels and this contributed a lot to the daily livelihood of the people in the village.
"This is a suitable form of electricity for villages like ours because we do not have to buy fuel since shops and supermarkets are far from here," he said.
Commodore Bainimarama officially handed over the keys of two newly-built homes to their proud owners and is expected to tour the garden island of Taveuni today.