Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka addresses the Ministry’s Senior Management Board (SMB) Meeting in Nadi today.
NADI – Members of the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Senior Management Board (SMB) have been reminded about the urgent need to prioritise project implementation and ensure the timely utilisation of its annual budget allocation.
While addressing members of the SMB during a meeting in Nadi today, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka said he had full confidence in the capabilities of his team to complete the tasks required of them.
“As we progress, it is crucial to emphasise the significance of prioritising the implementation of our projects and ensuring the timely utilisation of our budget. It’s imperative to recognise that these funds originate from taxpayers and have been allocated to the ministry for the advancement of our rural and maritime communities. Hence, it is our due responsibility to manage them prudently and allocate them for their intended purposes,” Hon. Ditoka said.
“More efforts are needed to expedite the full implementation of capital projects. We must ensure the timely completion of these projects by the end of this quarter. Let’s refocus our efforts and channel all resources toward achieving effective and efficient project implementation. Our collective expertise and experience will help us to address the challenges before us. I have full confidence in the capabilities of this team.
“I want to remind us that our responsibility goes beyond mere execution; it is about making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Every decision we make, and every project we undertake, must be underpinned by a dedication to improving the welfare of our community.”
Minister Ditoka acknowledged all staff members for the work achieved so far, highlighting the recent approval and endorsements by the Cabinet on the Natural Disaster Management Bill, and the successful relocation of Nabavatu Village in Dreketi, Macuata as two of the Ministry’s notable achievements in this financial year.
“I want to personally thank all those who played a pivotal role in the development of the Cabinet papers and the execution of these processes. Your tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I commend you for your commitment to excellence.”
Hon. Ditoka also commended the contribution of women in the Ministry ahead of International Women’s Day (IDA) tomorrow.
“As leaders in our Ministry, we must champion initiatives that support and encourage women, recognising their invaluable role in driving progress and sustainable development. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our women colleagues and encourage us to operationalise this theme in our programmes and projects,” he said.
The SMB Meeting provides a forum for senior management to discuss and make strategic decisions that affect the overall direction and performance of the Ministry. The forum plays a vital role in driving organisational success and ensuring effective leadership and governance.
Caption: The four Divisional Commissioners participating in the Ministry’s Senior Management Board (SMB) Meeting in Nadi today.
