Work hard, stop relying on handouts as this Government will only see that roads, water, education and other developments are done to move us forward.

This is the message that was stressed by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama during his recent two-day visit to the island of Ovalau, which was prompted by the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Tomas on the island.

The Prime Minister reiterated his statements made during visits to Ra and Koro Island earlier this year, highlighting that the Government will see that infrastructure is maintained to create business and better economy for the people of Ovalau and for the future generations.

At the former capital's fisheries department, Bainimarama urged fisheries officials and Commissioner Eastern Lt Col Ifereimi Vasu to act quickly on getting the ice-plant in Levuka operating again, as it would entice Lomaiviti fishermen to sell their produce in Levuka.

The Prime Minister visited five villages of Tokou, Bureta, Lovoni, Rukuruku, and Levuka villages.

Villagers of Lovoni were appreciative of the Prime Minister's visit to the village saying he was the first PM to set foot on the village turf. Similar sentiments were echoed by villagers throughout his other village visits.