Village Project Changes Lives

by Salaseini Vosamana

Fiji Times - Saturday, March 05, 2011

A MARKED reduction in yaqona consumption by the menfolk of a particular village in Seaqaqa has been noticed.

The reduction has been attributed to a new farming project.

The project involves large scale farming of vegetables and rootcrops.

The initiative by Buaviu Village elders has drawn the attention of their young people.

Village chief Ratu Vilikesa Sigadromucala said he had noticed that the villagers' living standard had deteriorated and devising the project was in part a response to that.

Village spokesman Ratu Emori Rokoqica said the project was discussed at village meetings.

"There are about 50 men engaged in this project - we plant root crops, vegetables and grog for every plantation," Ratu Emori said.

"We visit the plantation Thursdays and Fridays, every week.

"This is a good initiative decided by our elders because it has made the people work harder."

He said the project had minimised yaqona consumption.

"We used to drink grog until the crack of dawn but now we keep an eye on other things that bring prosperity to the people," Ratu Emori said.