More than 170 villagers of Waikubukubu Tavua will now no longer have to travel far for their shopping as they now have their own retail store run by the Waikubukubu Women's Club.

The project worth $13,000 is an assistance from the Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Ministry and has also seen the extension of their old community hall which has been extended and can accommodate the whole village for their monthly meetings or any other function.

Waikubukubu Women's club President, Sereana Savui said people were not able to travel to town to buy items, and now with the opening of the new store, villagers will be able to buy their basic items from the store.

She also said there will be no hassle of looking for a meeting or any function venue as they will be able to make use of the community hall.

Social Welfare, Minister Dr Jiko Luveni who officially opened the retail store and extension of community hall said Government is committed to reaching out to the people in communities to encourage community development projects and are encouraging women into income generating projects through the sewing programme, vanilla farming, bee keeping, poultry and bakery programme.