6,480 jobs created since the commencement of Northern Development Programme

A total of 6,480 jobs have been created since the commencement of the Northern Development Programme in January 2008.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Mineral Resources, Faiyaz Koya in a written answer on the effectiveness of the Northern Development Programme.

Koya stated that under the programme, 2,260 have been funded mainly in the agriculture and fishing sector.

He says the programme has also impacted 32,400 individuals which is 25 percent of the total population of Vanua Levu.

Koya also highlighted that a total of 7,847 entrepreneurs have been trained in competency based economy for entrepreneurship and financial literacy, including provision of technical advice in partnership with key government agencies.

The aim of the Northern Development Programme is to enhance the livelihood of the people in the Northern Division through the development of micro, small and medium enterprises.