𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, met today with the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mr. Isoa Talemaibua, to discuss a collaborative strategy aimed at improving service delivery and infrastructure in sugarcane-growing communities.

The meeting focused on forging inter-ministerial coordination to support the development of rural road networks, particularly cane access roads that serve a dual purpose—facilitating cane transportation during the harvesting season while also functioning as essential daily routes for rural residents.

Both Permanent Secretaries agreed that strengthening collaboration between the two Ministries would lead to greater efficiency, reduced duplication, and improved outcomes for rural communities. Discussions emphasized resource-sharing arrangements, including the joint use of heavy machinery such as diggers and bulldozers, shared fuel costs, and the establishment of standardised machinery hire rates.

“Strengthening collaboration ensures that every sugarcane farming and rural community benefits from improved roads and infrastructure. Our joint efforts will not only meet the seasonal demands of the sugar sector but also uplift general rural connectivity and inclusion,” said Dr. Kumar.

The discussions also explored the Ministry of Sugar Industry’s involvement in upcoming divisional-level development planning exercises, led by the Commissioner’s Offices in the Northern and Western Divisions. Both Ministries agreed that coordinated engagement at the divisional level would ensure more strategic planning and targeted interventions.

Furthermore, the two Ministries discussed integrating Multi-Ethnic Affairs Community Engagement Officers into existing district advisory forums, enabling more inclusive representation and outreach to Fiji’s diverse ethnic communities living in rural and maritime areas.

This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to whole-of-government service delivery, placing the needs of farming communities—across ethnicities and geographies—at the heart of development planning and rural infrastructure investment.