Local News in Brief
NCD week
NEXT week is National Non-communicable Disease week and preparations for the week's activities are in progress. General manager health services (west) Dr Tharid Ali said activities would include health checks at the market place and awareness talks by health officials at schools and workplaces. NCDs have reportedly been the cause of 80 per cent of deaths in Fiji.
Chand appointed
FIJI Institute of Technology director Dr Ganesh Chand has been appointed the new interim vice chancellor of the Fiji National University. Dr Chand is chairman of the interim FNU Council. Dr Chand said over 25,000 students are expected to pass through FNU when it begins operations in January.
The colleges to be merged are the Fiji School of Agriculture, Fiji College of Advanced Education, Lautoka Teachers College, Fiji School of Nursing, Fiji School of Medicine and FIT.
Anti-crime deal
STATE financial crime investigating bodies, Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Financial Intelligence Unit, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU will enhance corporation with other law enforcement agencies. FICAC and FIU anticipate improved collection and better management of information through the agreement. This will in turn lead to better-resourced investigation and prosecution.
Farmers' choice
CANE farmers in Olosara in Sigatoka have been given a choice to continue in the industry or divert to other types of farming. This was stated by Fiji Sugar Corporation chief executive officer Deo Saran who denied that the 275 farmers were forced out of the industry. Mr Saran said the decision on Olosara was one made by the "industry" as annual production fell from 85,000 tonnes a year to about 14,000 tonnes and was thus uneconomical.
Fire safety
THE National Fire Authority's chief fire officer, Tupou Saubulinayau, has reiterated his advice for the people to ensure their property is thoroughly checked by an FEA-certified electrical contractor. His advice follows numerous home fires over the last week.
The NFA is adamant about minimising the impact of fires in the country. People can call the fire brigade or the emergency line on 911 for help.
Cop workshop
SEVENTEEN police officers in Lautoka are attending a four day communications workshop. Assistant police spokesman Wame Bautolu said the purpose of the workshop was to help improve communication in the organisation. He said the officers were being trained to use various radio communication channels.
Mobile centre
THE Land Transport Authority has set up a mobile centre in Sigatoka Town. Special administrator Aisea Tuidraki said the council hoped that having the centre available would assist in curbing on illegal operators within the township. "This initiative shall allow the two parties to build a better co-ordination to ensure that through integration Traffic management system in Sigatoka is improved," he said.
