Government is putting a lot of emphasis on reviving the economy in the Northern Division says Commissioner Nothern Jovesa Vocea.

Speaking at the handing over of the New Farmers Assistance Grant in Labasa, Vocea says government is pumping in a lot of resources and assistance so that people stay in Vanua Levu.

He says now, more roads are being built, water is more accessible and more homes are connected to the national grid.

Vocea says, the grant assistance is one such initiative by government, intended to refrain people from moving to Viti Levu.

He told the grant recipients, the grant will not only benefit them.

“It has ripple effects, to your families, the economy in the Northern Division, even to the town of Labasa. This town cannot exist without the sugar industry. If the sugar industry collapses, there will be no town in Labasa. That is why government is trying to pour in a lot of resources and assistance.”

29 cane farmers received the grant assistance from the Ministry of Sugar yesterday.

29 more cane farmers in the Western Division are expected to receive their grants today.