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33-636: Seaqaqa is located in the inland area and on the major link road between the towns of Savusavu and Labasa , on the island of Vanua Levu . It is located about 23 kilometres (14 mi) from Labasa . The district often experiences dry spells , particularly from May to September, which is beneficial for good cane production, although costing over 4 million Fijian dollars in water carting, and causing cholera and scabies outbreaks in children. The vast majority of soils (95%) are ferruginous latosols and red yellow podzolics , which drain well, tend to dry out during periods of low rainfall, and are less fertile than

66-453: A bridge was built in Nasuva village, which cost 100,000 Fijian dollars. Since 2018 Seaqaqa has been in the process of getting its own township and becoming an incorporated town, which would mean that it would get its own town council. As of 2022 the area was served by Labasa Town Council. This process is associated with various construction plans, such as the construction of a bus station and

99-576: A new market. The project was delayed by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and budget constraints. The Seaqaqa Legal Aid Office was opened in 2019. In 2020 the old one lane Vesidrua Bridge across the Nasuva River was replaced by a new two lane bridge and a walkway. Previously, a temporary Bailey bridge was erected beside Vesidrua Bridge in July 2019 so that the river could still be crossed while

132-540: A town in 1939, Labasa is governed by a 12-member town council, whose members elect a Mayor from among themselves. Councillors serve three-year terms; the Mayor's term is for one year, but may be extended any number of times. Labasa's current Mayor, elected on 28 October 2005 following the municipal election to the town council one week earlier, is Dr Pradeep Singh of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP). Leslie Williams

165-469: A town in 1969, Savusavu is governed by a 9-member town council, elected for a three-year term. The councillors elect a mayor from among themselves for a one-year term, which may be renewed any number of times. Following the victory of the Savusavu Ratepayers and Citizens Party in the municipal elections held on 22 October 2005, Ram Pillay was chosen as mayor, succeeding Peni Naulu of

198-498: A town-chief, and impossible to be supervised, originated trouble". Prior to 1974 the area was sparsely populated, with about 150 Indo-Fijian and 50 Fijian families residing here, the former of which had been present since an unsuccessful 1963 rice scheme. Following independence in 1970, starting in 1974 the ambitious Seaqaqa cane development scheme was realized as part of the Sixth (1971–75) and Seventh (1976–80) Development Plans by

231-511: Is a town in the Fijian Province of Cakaudrove . The town is located on the south coast of Vanua Levu Island and had a population of 3,372 in the 2007 census. Savusavu is known as "the hidden paradise of Fiji." Savusavu is located on Fiji's northern island of Vanua Levu. It can be reached by plane from Nadi (one hour) or by ferry from Suva or Lautoka (approx 12-hour trip). It is famous for its hot springs, located mostly opposite

264-608: Is a soccer loving town. The Labasa soccer team is known as the "Babasiga Lions" and play their home games at Subrail Park. Its most famous talent is Roy Krishna , born and bred in Siberia, a farming community about five kilometres from Labasa town. Roy Krishna is also Fiji's flag bearer to the 2019 Pacific Games held in Samoa. Labasa FC prides itself for having featured prodigious talents such as Ivor Evans, Simon Peters and Taniela Tuilevuka. Labasa and Fiji soccer legend, Simon Peters,

297-767: Is a town in Fiji with a population of 28,500 at the 2010 census. Labasa is located in Macuata Province , in the north-eastern part of the island of Vanua Levu , and is the largest town on the island. The town itself is located on a delta formed by three rivers – the Wailevu , the Labasa (after which the town is named), and the Qawa . The township historically served the sugar cane farms and farm workers with harvesting season resulting in significant seasonal employment, although

330-463: Is at least one movie theatre and several restaurants in the main street providing a range of local and Chinese flavours. There is a fairly large market towards the end of the town where one can buy and sample a range of foods, spices, fish, poultry, goats and other local products. A large taxi stand and a bus stop is also by the market. It also has some popular tourist spots while the people of Labasa are quite well known for their hospitality. Labasa

363-528: Is considered a success, with Seaqaqa producing 241,000 tonnes of cane in 1979, and 316,000 tonnes by 1983, surpassing the World Bank estimate of 200,000 tonnes per year by 1980. During the events of the 2000 Fijian coup d'état , on 9 July, the police station at Seaqaqa was occupied along with a police station at Savusavu to the south by rebels supporting George Speight , and Seaqaqa was described by The Sydney Morning Herald as an area "where support for

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396-514: Is his footwork. It is a delight to watch. Whenever he takes the ball, the public watching the game know what he is going to do with it. He has got a caliber that current players should follow if they want to be successful strikers. His ball control skills speed and game finishing is what make Simon counts. In Fiji, and across the South Pacific, Simon 'Maradona' Peters was one of the deadliest finishers known in his playing days. Incorporated as

429-514: Is one of the species listed by Birdlife International as being under threat. Geothermal energy is a resource waiting to be tapped. A geological survey has found that Savusavu's hot springs could generate enough electricity to power the entire island of Vanua Levu. Known locally as Nakama hot springs water from the geothermally heated pools which can reaches close to 100 degrees Celsius, have been used by local villagers for centuries to cook taro, breadfruit and other local foods. On 2 August 2022,

462-538: The Hot Springs Hotel – although at low tide the steam from numerous smaller outlets all along the foreshore can be seen. In the late 19th century, these hot springs turned into 12 – 18 m tall geysers for a period of two months. The old Copra Shed Marina , built in the 19th century, is a major landmark in Savusavu. Renovated in recent years by geologist and Savusavu resident Geoff Taylor , it now houses

495-553: The Lighthouse Party . In 2009, the Military -backed interim government dismissed all municipal governments throughout Fiji and appointed special administrators to run the urban areas. As of 2015, elected municipal government has not been restored. The special administrator of Savusavu, along with nearby Labasa , is Vijay Chand . Labasa Labasa ( pronounced [lamˈbasa] ; Fiji Hindi : लम्बासा )

528-578: The Savusavu Yacht Club . Fiji Air offices, Pacific Sun reservations (formerly Sunflower Air) offices, a chandlery shop, a geologist's office, a gift shop, a travel agency and two rental apartments. There are also moorings for yachts, along with shower and toilet facilities. Another significant landmark is the Savarekareka Mission , 10 kilometres north of Savusavu. The chapel, the first Roman Catholic mission on Vanua Levu,

561-581: The Tony Robbins Life Mastery programme; the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort is one of the few 5 star resorts to offer a children's camp; Daku Resort runs a programme of learning holidays in art, yoga, singing snorkelling and birdwatching throughout the year. The birdwatching tour visits the rare silktail which is only found in the island of Vanua Levu, in a habitat about an hour and a half from Savusavu. The silktail

594-495: The Friendly North for its warm, hospitable culture, Labasa is home to the popular Festival of the Friendly North, which has run for over 40 years and has resulted in over 1.3 million in charitable projects in the region. The surrounding areas of Labasa are mostly farming areas, which contribute to much of the industry in the town. The largest crop grown is sugar cane. The large Fiji Sugar Corporation-1894 sugar mill on

627-423: The best. A soft-spoken and humble gentleman whom many players learnt self respect and discipline from. He should be a role model to Fiji soccer and to the current and upcoming players; following Simon's footsteps could lead to a far better soccer career for many of our youths if they want to succeed. Raymond Stoddart, a National soccer broadcaster Stoddard said: The most special thing for Simon during his soccer days

660-451: The colonial government, despite them being traditionally linked with Wailevu. It was the last open armed confrontation between villagers and the colonial government. Following the defeat of the uprising, Governor John Bates Thurston ordered the amalgamation of the towns of Nacereyaga, Delaiviti, Navakaiteqe, Vuna, Watidratagane, Nukuseva, Naisogolato, Calalevu, and Savuroloka, with Natua to become only one town, saying that "small towns without

693-625: The geothermal pools become an official tourist attraction. A F$ 75,000 project orchestrated by the Blue Town Committee and promoted by the Savusavu Tourism Association refurbished Nakama hot spring with landscaping, stone walls, signage, steps and drains around the springs. Locals are still permitted to cook their food on the premises and even sell prepared dishes. Most land in Fiji is owned by native land owners –

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726-519: The island of Vanua Levu , and has recently been expanded. Labasa is generally an agricultural town, off the tourist track. The Labasa Airport is located in Waiqele about 7 km from the town centre with multiple daily domestic flights to Nausori and Nadi international airports. Passenger ferry connections require an overland trip to either Nabouwalu or Savusavu. Labasa has a couple of hotels to stay in (Takia/Travel Lodge and Grand Eastern Hotel). There

759-450: The mataqali (extended family unit). Savusavu and surrounding areas has a large amount of freehold land, much of it once used for coconut plantations. Increasingly this land has been subdivided and sold, often to expats seeking a retirement or holiday home. As a result, Savusavu is now home to a small but significant community of Americans, Australians, New Zealanders and Europeans which has helped fuel its economic development. Incorporated as

792-415: The outskirts of Labasa town is the only such mill on the island. Recently, due to political changes and loss of overseas markets, sugar cane farming and production has been steadily decreasing. This has been reflected in the increasing migration of people to the main island of Viti Levu , in search of employment opportunities. Labasa Hospital is the referral centre for all health centres and hospital on

825-597: The rebels is strong". Telecom Fiji cut off lines to both occupied police stations, which may have partially led to a Telecom Fiji executive in Vanua Levu being detained by rebels. Former President Kamisese Mara owned a farm in Seaqaqa, and by 26 July, rebels "had set fire to the buildings and burnt the crops". In early 2015, the Ahmadiyya Noor Mosque in Seaqaqa was described as "newly-built". In 2015,

858-688: The replacement bridge was being built. In December 2020 the Seaqaqa district was severely impacted by Cyclone Yasa . Seaqaqa has a football team, Seaqaqa F.C. . In 2017, it was reported that a $ 30 million sports complex would be built, although nothing came of it. In 2022 the Seaqaqa Pride Hub organisation was awarded with a grant from the Play for Equity fund of Team Up, a program of the Australian government. Savusavu Savusavu ( Fijian pronunciation: [saβusaβu] )

891-456: The ruling Alliance Party . The primary goal was to increase national cane production, although a secondary goal was to increase the participation of Fijians (particularly unemployed rural Indo-Fijians and Fijians engaged primarily in subsistence agriculture ) in the cash economy. This area had been chosen because of the presence of a mill at Labasa , deemed most suitable for expansion, because of Seaqaqa plateau's suitability for cane, and due to

924-475: The soils of other Fijian cane production areas, thus requiring higher amounts of fertiliser . The land is flat to undulating, much of which ranges from 100 to 175 metres above sea level. In mid-1894 a brief and unsuccessful uprising against colonial authorities , sometimes known as the Seaqaqa War, took place in the area. It occurred due to the people of Seaqaqa and Sasa being classed as Macuata subjects by

957-409: The township is now less dependent on the sugar industry. The farmers' market offers seasonal produce and seafood. The main street is lined with small family run businesses, supermarkets and restaurants offering a lively pedestrian thoroughfare. Labasa is heavily Indo-Fijian , and downtown Labasa is consequently filled with curry houses and sari shops. It is the fourth-largest city in Fiji. Known as

990-521: The willingness of local land owners to offer a significant amount of land. It included the planned settlement of 800 people (400 Fijians and 400 Indo-Fijians ) at Natua village and cost 22 million Fijian dollars , with funds borrowed from the World Bank . By 1980 five thousand hectares had been planted with sugarcane , although 12,646 hectares within the scheme were unused as of 1983, with 44% of them potentially suitable for arable farming. The scheme

1023-473: Was also a member of the national team that defeated Australia in 1988, later won gold in the 1991 South Pacific Games. His peer Ravuama Madigi said this about him: A very obedient man who demonstrated his discipline on and off the field. His disciplined military background is what helps Simon a lot during our soccer days. He is a role model to many of us who played with him since the u20 grade in 1987. He never gives up or loses hope and always keeps on fighting for

Seaqaqa - Misplaced Pages Continue

1056-407: Was built around 1870 and is still functioning. Savusavu was originally established as a trading centre for sandalwood , beche-de-mer , and copra , and is the site of a major copra mill. Tourism is growing in importance, owing to its SCUBA diving and yachting facilities. Savusavu hosts a number of resorts, some of which have interesting specialities. Namale Resort hosts regular seminars in

1089-481: Was known as the Maradona of Fiji soccer. The former national soccer striker died at his Labasa home in 2009 a day after his son Misaele Draunibaka was selected to be part of the national Under 20 team. The former Labasa striker and military officer began his soccer career at 17 in 1987 after being chosen to play for the national U20 team alongside Maritino Nemani, Ravuama Madigi, Abdul Mannan and Raymond Stoddart. He

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