Fiji will be celebrating Civil Service Week this week with the theme: “Celebrating the Contributions of Civil Servants”.

This week will be about recognising and honouring the vital work carried out by Civil Servants across all levels of Government.

We will also be highlighting several staff in the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and the significant roles that they play towards achieving the vision and mission of the ministry and Government mandate as a whole.

Meet Sainimili Visavisawaqa who has been working in the ministry's Animal Health and Production Division for the past 10 years.

She hails from the village of Nasalia in the district of Nagonenicolo in Naitasiri and is currently stationed at the Lautoka office.

She is part of a dedicated team that visit farms in the Western Division to conduct Bovine Tuberculosis & Brucellosis (BTEC) tests in cattle.

"So basically we conduct tests and if animals are found positive, they are transported straight away for slaughter under the BTEC program. This is to ensure that the disease is eradicated and prevented from spreading to other herds within and around the farm," explained Ms Visavisawaqa.

“Part of our work is to know the procedure of cattle movements. We have to advise farmers of the notification of herd testing and results, and to know the local plans in place for infected areas that specify the test interval and testing frequencies,” she said.

“Bovine Tuberculosis & Brucellosis in cattle has no cure and it is often disheartening to see the faces of farmers when their stocks have been tested positive. They have to be taken to the abattoir for slaughter and it is the only solution," she added.

Ms Visavisawaqa added that farmers are always advised and trained on proper management and care of their animals to avoid disease and other mishaps.

"I have learned to enjoy my work and also learn from senior experienced officials.”

The 33-year old hardworking Agriculture Assistant moved to Lautoka to serve the western division when BTEC was decentralized in December 2021 and says that she has enjoyed every challenge and triumph.

“Of the many challenges I faced in the field, one was the trip to the interior of Navosa. We were there to conduct TB and brucellosis testing and our only mode of transport was by horseback. It was very risky as there was no road access at all and we had to trek our way through. That is one experience that I will never forget," she smiled.

Ms Visavisawaqa is also part of the Stray Animal campaign and says that more needs to be done by livestock farmers in terms of keeping their animals safe.

"We have been capturing horses and cows on the roadside for the past few weeks and it is sad to see that they are left alone like that. I call on farmers to please care for their animals and ensure that they are properly kept behind fences or tied close to their homes," advised Ms Visavisawaqa.

Ms Visavisawaqa wishes all civil servants around Fiji a Happy Civil Service Week and hopes that we will all continue to deliver quality services to the people of Fiji.

ENDS

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