Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has commended the efforts of non-government organization in providing relief efforts to the people of the Northern Division.
Speaking in Savusavu yesterday (January 22) Mr. Qarase praised the hard work of the Fiji Red Cross in supplying the needs of the people of Vanua Levu.
Mr. Qarase visited the areas of Vunivesi and Bagata yesterday where Cyclone Ami has caused devastation.
At Vunivesi, a bridge embarkment had been washed away cutting off access between Savusavu and Labasa.
The bridge has been repaired temporarily and is now open to all traffic in and out of Labasa.
Prime Minister Qarase later visited Bagata Village where massive flooding caused villagers to evacuate to higher grounds during the height of Cyclone Ami.
During a brief visit to Savudrodro Village outside Savusavu, Mr. Qarase surveyed damages to crops, road works and infrastructure.
The Prime Minister's team, which also comprises of an official from the Australian High Commission, travels to Labasa today to gauge the damage caused by Cyclone Ami.
The group will meet the DISMAC team at the Commissioner Northern's office in Labasa prior to travelling to outer areas such as Druadrua, Dogutaki, Wavuwavu and certain parts of Wainikoro.
Mr. Qarase also intends to visit Nakoroutari, 15 kilometres out of Labasa, to pay a courtesy call to families of those washed away during the massive flooding caused by Cyclone Ami.
The team returns to Suva today after meeting leading business communities in Labasa and the surrounding areas.