Islanders in the Lau Group are calling on the Government to upgrades its services offered in their communities to accommodate the increasing population.
This request was made by Turaga na Ramasi Ului Waqalevu Latu, the traditional leader in Moce Island, during the National Development Plan public consultation held at the Delaimakotu Community Hall yesterday.
Latu said that the island currently has a population of more than 500 Fijians but does not have a Health Centre, or a Police Post.
He said that while they greatly appreciated the service provided by the Nurse in the nursing station on the island, it needed to be upgraded to a Health Centre which would guarantee the presence of a medical officer.
Latu said this would ensure they could acquire the services needed from a medical officer, instead of having to travel by fiber-glass boat to Lakeba Island for two hours, which would sometimes prove difficult, especially during bad weather.
He also added that there needed to be a Police presence in maritime communities where the population was high, to help ensure law and order.
Other issues raised included the need for a tower to improve communication and the construction of a jetty on the island.
