The number of people living in rural areas can only be increased if kava consumption is regulated.

This has been highlighted by Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere after it was revealed during a community workshop held in Macuata that many young men spend more time around the kava bowl than settling down and having children.

As a result, the population numbers in the District is not enough to warrant the construction of a school or a health centre.

Ratu Wiliame says the Vanua along with various government ministries and departments can create awareness on the issue as it needs to be addressed.

“Get everybody to come together, get the Bureau of Stats. Nowadays everybody in the community is educated. Show them the numbers, they will know. Tell them…This is the population now. In the next five to ten years, there is going to be a thin line of the population.”

Ratu Wiliame adds, another contributing factor is women wanting to be independent and plan to settle down with a family later in life.