4 Dec 2017

PNG Finance Minister impressed by Fiji community drive

1:51 pm on 4 December 2017

Papua New Guinea's Finance Minister has pledged around $US40,000 to a cyclone-affected province in Fiji.

Destruction in the Tailevu province, in Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, following Cyclone Winston.

Destruction in the Tailevu province, in Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, following Cyclone Winston. Photo: TWITTER / @FijiRedCross

The Post Courier reported that James Marape was in Tailevu Province during the weekend.

He signed an agreement on behalf of his district in Hela province to participate in public service and village-based programme exchanges with Tailevu.

Under this arrangement, Hela public servants and community leaders will travel to Tailevu to learn about Melanesian community spirit and co-operation.

Mr Marape was reportedly impressed by how Tailevu communities raise their own money to drive local school and health projects, instead of waiting for the government to help.

He said it was unlike in PNG where most people relied on government to provide money and development.

The minister pledged funds to the province which was hard hit by tropical cyclone Winston less than two years ago.