Fiji Shipping has given the green light to a small boat operator to be able to service the furthest regions of Vanua Levu coastal areas while Government looks at road development.
Commissioner Northern Colonel Inia Seruiratu made this revelation at the Macuata Provincial Council meeting last week in Labasa after concerns were raised by members of the various Tikinas that there has not been much development.
Col Seruiratu said that while they are looking at extending road infrastructure in rural areas, the Commissioner’s Office and Fiji Shipping will be visiting areas along Udu Point, Dogotuki and also Cikobia Island who have been having intermittent shipping services to inform the villages that the two boats belonging to Pat Chute will be used to service the areas.
However, Col Seruiratu stressed to the villagers that while Government is doing their part in ensuring that the roads are opened up to these rural areas, the villagers need to ensure that this intiative is not wasted.
He has stressed to the village headman and the chiefs that the opening of the roads and the boat services, means the opening also of economic growth where the officials will be talking with them about the money they can earn from for the far flung villages along the coast.
He has also added that they will also be looking at the opening of the sea weed farm in Namuka, as well as the Wainikoro Co-operative.
Story by: Paradise Tabucala
