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Handing Over of Vehicles to Fijian Ministry of Local Government - 02.03.2023.

Posted on: March 02, 2023 | Back | Print

High Commission of India
Suva

Press Release

Handing Over of Vehicles to Rakiraki & Tavua Town Councils

(2 March 2023)

Responding to a request from the Fijian Ministry of Local Government to provide vehicles for Rakiraki Town Council and Tavua Town Council, the Government of India (GoI) gifted the two town councils one Mahindra Twin Cab each under the GoI’s development partnership (Grant-in-Aid) Assistance. 

On behalf of the Government of India, the High Commissioner of India to Fiji, His Excellency P. S. Karthigeyan handed over the two Made-in-India Vehicles to the Fijian Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Katamotu at a simple ceremony held at the Suva Civic Centre. 

Also present on the occasion were Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Ms. Seema Sharma, Director for Local Government, Ms. Bindula Devi, Special Administrator Chair for Rakiraki and Tavua Town Council, Mr. Luke Mataiciwa, CEO for Rakiraki and Tavua Town Council, Mr. Sailosi Sawana and other senior government officials and High Commission representatives. 

Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Karthigeyan underlined the historical ties between India and Fiji and the extensive development partnership between the two countries. He looked forward to further strengthening of the bilateral partnership across all areas of common endeavor. 

In his remarks, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Katamotu thanked the Government of India for the timely donation of the two vehicles. He highlighted that the handing over was a milestone for the two town councils as they did not have a vehicle and had been facing great challenges over the years in serving the rate payers of both Rakiraki and Tavua Towns. He added that the vehicles will help the town councils in efficiently carrying out inspections for building applications, complaints handling and other essential services provided by the councils. 

India-Fiji relations are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people to people ties. As per the request of the Government of Fiji, India had also previously donated a number of vehicles to various agencies in Fiji including Nasinu Town Council (2018) and Fiji Elections Office (2018 & 2022). The newly gifted vehicles worth FJ$109,908.26 are expected to assist both councils in effectively carrying out their duties and responsibilities.